Afghan rugs leave lasting impression at US exhibition

New York, January 25, 2007 (Pajhwok Afghan News): The highly acclaimed rugs from Afghanistan left a lasting impression among the visitors at the International Area Rug Show last week.

The exhibition last week titled "Afghan Impressions: Area Rug Artistry and Inspiration" served as latest development in the ongoing bilateral initiative to link Afghan producers with US buyers in support of economic prosperity in Afghanistan.

"We are proud to see Afghanistan's esteemed products on display in the US and available to interested buyers. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to promote such opportunities, allowing the US consumer to witness first-hand the beauty, quality and art of an Afghan-made rug," said the Afghanistan Minister for Commerce and Industries Dr Mir Mohammad Amin Farhang.

The minister was accompanied by a delegation of ten senior executives of Afghan rug producing companies and representatives of the newly-established Export Promotion Centre of Afghanistan, said a statement released by the Afghan embassy.

Speaking on the occasion, US Deputy Secretary of Commerce David Sampson reiterated the Commerce Department was committed to increasing bilateral business ties and stimulating trade and investment between the two countries. This would lead to significant improvements in the welfare of the Afghan people, he said.

"A smart step towards this goal is to help Afghanistan export their impressive hand-woven rugs, among the cultural products they are known for around the world," Sampson said.

Afghanistan's ambassador to the United States Said T. Jawad encouraged the audience to let the art of rug weaving. "Afghan rugs connect you to thousands of years of history, a group of talented artists halfway around the world, and a reconstruction process that is helping millions of people find security, prosperity, education and new hope," he said.

This exhibition follows the successful July 2006 visit by a separate Afghan business delegation to the United States. During this visit, the delegates gained greater understanding of the international textile industry through meetings with government and business leaders on how Afghan rug makers can market and sell their unique hand-made rugs in the American market, the statement said.

The exhibition was organized by the Economic, Trade and Investment Department of the Embassy of Afghanistan, in collaboration with Export Promotion Centre of Afghanistan, the US Department of Commerce and America's Mart Atlanta.