International Hand-Woven Show Slated for Iran

Tehran, Iran, June 14, 2007--Persian hand-woven carpet, a distinguished part of Iran and culture, ranks first in the global market, according to PressTV. Big names of the world's hand-woven carpet industry will display their finest carpets at an international exhibition slated for July in Iran.

The Iranian northwestern city of Tabriz, one of the best-known carpet-weaving centers, will host the international event on July 12-18.

Leading handmade carpet suppliers from around the world will join their Iranian peers at the exhibit to showcase their products, IRNA reported.

The exhibition will give Iranian merchants a chance to secure a foothold in international markets and find new customers for their high quality Persian rugs.

Persian rugs are part and parcel of the Iranian art and culture. Carpet-weaving in Iran dates back to 3,500 BC.

Currently Iran ranks first in the global carpet market with a share of 41 percent.

Speaking at an international exhibition of hand-woven carpets on Kish Island in early May, Iran's Commerce Minister said Iran holds a 41-percent share of the global carpet market with export value reaching $400 million in 2006.

Massoud Mir-Kazemi said that over 2,000 active Iranian carpet shops have been identified in Europe and the US and the figure is anticipated to increase to 5,000.

The bulk of Iran's handmade carpets are exported to Germany and the US.