Industry Calls for Government Support to Revive Exports
The Afghanistan Association of Carpet Producers has reported a significant decline in carpet exports over recent months, attributing the drop to the closure of key air corridors that previously facilitated international trade.
According to the association, Afghanistan produced approximately 900,000 square meters of carpets in 2021, with 95% exported under Pakistan’s name to global markets.
“The main complaint that producers are raising is regarding exports of their products,” said Noor Ahmad Noori, Head of the Association.
Carpet Sector Employs Over 1.5 Million Afghans
Economic experts have urged the government to step in and support the struggling carpet industry, which remains one of Afghanistan’s most important traditional and export-oriented sectors.
“It is very important for the government to work on promoting the carpet sector and support them in order to create jobs and boost the economy of Afghanistan,” said Sayeed Rahmad Omran, an Afghan economic expert.
The association estimates that around 1.5 million people are directly or indirectly employed in the carpet sector, underscoring the industry’s crucial role in the country’s employment and economic stability.
