Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 14 / Trend, A.Yusifzade /
Iran has boosted export of hand-woven carpets by 24 percent during the first 8 months of current Iranian year started March 21, 2010, Moj News Agency reported quoting the Head of Iran's National Carpet Center Feysal Mardasi as saying.
"Nearly $365million worth of carpet has been exported to the foreign countries during the first 8 months of this year, which shows a 24% growth in value and 20% increase in volume compared with the same period last year," Mardasi said.
He also reiterated that Iran earns about $500million revenues annually through the export of its carpets to the foreign countries.
Iran is the leading exporter of hand-woven carpets. Persian rugs are highly sought out for their intricate design and skilled craftsmanship, and that's why Iran exports carpets to more than 100 countries in the world.
Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia.
There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran producing carpets for domestic markets and international export.
The country produces about five million square meters of carpets annually of which 80 percent are sold in international markets.