Iran boosts carpet exports to relieve battered economy

TEHRAN, Aug 24 (Xinhua): Iran expects carpet exports can be boosted and contribute to reducing unemployment as the country tried to stabilize its economy amid sanctions, Iran's Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Saturday.

"Encouraging exports is a priority of Iranian government. We urge (carpet) exporters to promote their production and in turn boost employment," Jahangiri said in the opening of 23rd Iranian hand-woven carpet exhibition.

"Hand-woven carpet is a flag of Iran's identity. It is the best, durable and artistic," Karimi Isfahani, head of Union of Iranian Hand-woven Carpet Producers & Exporters said.

This year's exhibition has seen growth both in the number of participants and the quality of carpets, Hamid Karghar, head of Iran National Carpet Centre, said. The exhibition is being held in Tehran International Trade Fair from August 23 to 29.

Iran exports US$500 million worth of hand-woven carpets annually, which amounts to one third of the global market.