Afghan carpets to go on display at major trade shows

kash.sobhe

December 29, 2007

KABUL: Various varieties of carpets, recognised around the world as a symbol of Afghan culture, tradition and civilisation, will go on display at three major international trade shows this winter.

The US Agency and International Development (USAID) said Afghan traders would attend for the first time the South Asian Commodity Fair in Beijing, China, from December 28 to 30 and at the Domotex trade show in Hanover, Germany, from January 12 to 15, 2008.

For the second time, they will visit the United States. This year, they will attend a show in Las Vegas from January 28 – February 1, 2008. A number of high ranking Afghan government officials will also be present at the events, the agency added..

The annual trade shows host carpet producers from all over the world. Afghanistan will be an active participant, presenting its elegant handmade carpets and building relationships with international exporters from all over the world.

On the importance of the fairs for the economic growth of the carpet sector, Suleiman Fatimi, CEO of Export Promotion Agency, said: Participation in these trade shows will support and encourage the promotion of the Afghan carpet industry, and will boost Afghan traders. The shows will help establish linkages to new markets and customers around the world.

Twenty-eight industry representatives will first visit Beijing. China is increasingly becoming an important business destination for Afghanistan, both for exporters and importers, remarked Bryan Rhodes, the Chief of Party for USAIDs Afghanistan Small and Medium Enterprise Development project.

We are pleased to support emerging Afghan entrepreneurs in strengthening trade ties with one of the worlds most important economies, added Rhodes.

The Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan (EPAA) is coordinating the projects in conjunction with the Afghan Carpet Exporters Association, the Association of Afghan Carpet Weavers, and the Federation of the Afghan Women Entrepreneurs. Germanys GTZ is also providing technical support.