The amount of Afghan carpet exports reached nearly $31 million, the chamber of commerce and industry said on Sunday, adding that over 800,000 square meters of carpet have been exported so far this (solar) year.  

Last year, Afghanistan exported over 500,000 square meters of carpet, valued at $16 million.  

“The production of carpets is good this year and exports reached 31 million dollars,” said Mohmmad Younus Momand, head of the chamber of commerce and industry.  

The Union of Afghan Carpet Production said that due to existing economic challenges, many people have recently engaged in carpet weaving.   

The union said that carpet production has seen a 20 percent increase.  

“After the recent changes, the production of carpets increased because many factories which were previously active in Afghanistan are closed now, and also due to drought the farmers are now working in carpet weaving,” said Noor Ahmad Noori, head of the union.  

Meanwhile, some traders called on the government to facilitate access to international markets for Afghan carpets.

“Help us reach an international environment. (The government) should find the investors who previously invested in Afghanistan to support us so we can produce carpets,” said Farid Ahmad Karimzada, a trader. “Unfortunately, we have problems in transit paths. We don’t have access to international markets.”  

The Union of Afghan Carpet Production also expressed dissatisfaction over the transit limitations, saying that many Afghan carpets are sold in international markets under Pakistan's name.