The Ministry of Industry and Commerce states that in the first six months of this year, carpets and rugs worth more than nine million dollars have been exported abroad.
According to Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson of this ministry, most of the carpets were exported to Austria, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Australia, Italy, China, and Turkey.
Jawad added that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has provided the necessary facilities for traders to export carpets abroad.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said, "In the first six months of 2024, over 2.4 million kilograms of carpets worth 8.7 million dollars were exported to Austria, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, China, and other countries."
Khanjan Alokozai, a member of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said, "Carpet is one of our main export items, and besides that, it provides job opportunities for both men and women."
Meanwhile, some carpet sellers say that organizing exhibitions inside and outside the country will increase carpet sales and exports.
Mustafa Sakhi Zada, a carpet seller, said, "Unfortunately, our sales inside the country are less than before, and we request the current government officials to provide more facilities so that our sales increase."
Firoz Afqar, another carpet seller, said, "In order to transfer quality carpets outside Afghanistan and to showcase and introduce the authentic Afghan culture, which is carpet weaving, to the world, it is necessary to open direct and fast air corridors."
Previously, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) stated that with the support of this organization, the Afghan carpet sector has increased its processing capacity to 500,000 square meters per year.