Azerbaijan , Baku, Feb. 18 / Trend, A.Yusifzade /
Iran's hand woven carpets export has increased 14 percent from March 21, 2010 to January 21, 2011 compared to the same period of last year, compared with the same period last year, CHTN reported quoting the head of Iran's National Carpet Center Faisal Merdasi as saying.
"In the first 10 months of this year (started March 21.2010), Iran exported hand woven carpet worth $440 million to foreign countries," Merdasi said.
He also predicted that the exports volume would reach $500 million until the end of the current Iranian calendar year (ending March 20, 2011).
"Regarding rising exports rate of carpets, it is expected that the volume reaches its highest rate in the past six years," Merdasi added.
According to Merdasi, who is also Iranian deputy commerce minister, said Iranian carpets are exported to 33 countries, including Germany, the US, the UAE, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland are the main importers.
"South Africa, China, Kazakhstan, and Brazil are regarded the new destinations of the Iranian carpets," he added.
Merdasi said many countries are interested in the carpets due to its high value and its design.
There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran who produce carpets for both domestic and international markets.