The head of the Iranian National Center of Rugs, Mohammad Bagher Agha-Alikhani, said in an interview for the agency "Mehr" that in
the following year 1391 (21.03.12-20.03.13) the export volume of Iranian handmade rugs is planned to reach $1 billion and for this purpose new
markets in various countries, particularly in Latin America, are being sought, Iran News report.
According Agha-Alikhan, in the current year (21.03.11-20.03.12), the volume of exports of handmade rugs was planned for $600 million. Currently
the figure is $500 million and is expected to reach $560 million by the end of this year (3/20/12).
Agha-Alikhan said that to achieve the goal set for the coming year, the working group on developing non-oil exports has produced a series of programs. In particular, about $30 million has been allocated to advertising campaigns in at least 30 foreign countries, and there is reason to hope that it will access new markets and so replace the U.S. market, which is closed at the moment to Iranian rugs for the prohibition of the U.S. administration.
Agha- Alikhan explains that today official supply of Iranian handmade rugs in the United States is prohibited and therefore new markets are being sought for rugs which were previously exported to America. However, informal supplies for the American market continue.
