Iran Carpet Exports Top $400M

London, England, May 4, 2007--One of the most significant elements of Iran's carpet industry is its attention to customer needs and interests, according to IranMania.

Commerce minister has said Iran holds a 41-percent share of the global carpet market with export value reaching $400 mln in 2006.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5th International Exhibition of Hand-Woven Persian Carpets on Kish Island late Tuesday, Masoud Mir-Kazemi said Persian carpet exports are tied to global market demands and customer preferences.

?One of the most significant elements of Iran?s carpet industry is its attention to customer needs and interests,? Fars quoted him as saying.

The minister added that studies are underway to assess the needs of customers worldwide and increasing Iran?s share of the lucrative markets in Europe and the United States.

Underlining the importance of scientific study of the market as well as identifying carpet distribution networks to boost export, he called for making production commensurate with demand.

Therefore, changing our production system from intense to demand oriented is one of the missions of the ministry.?

It is necessary to activate carpet design and selling networks as well as centers that assess market demand to steer production, he noted.

Mir-Kazemi said the National Iranian Carpet Center has identified over 2,000 active Iranian carpet shops in Europe and the US and the figure is anticipated to increase to 5,000.

He also called for an increase in the price of Persian carpets from the present $50 per square meter to about $300.

As per latest figures released by the National Iranian Carpet Center, Iran?s hand-woven carpet export has declined by two% since March 21.

Most Iranian carpets are exported to Germany and the US.

China, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Turkey and rural carpet cooperatives are participating in the four-day event which will continue to May 4.