TEHRAN – Iran has exported $223 million worth of handicrafts in past Iranian calendar years (which ended March 20), and additional amounts of informal exports by tourists, officials with High-Class Cultural Heritage said Tuesday.
Fazad Ojani, director of the Office for Handicraft Marketing and Commercialization of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, presented the figures at a joint meeting with economic investors at the province’s headquarters. The meeting was held to review opportunities for the crafts sector and discuss ways to expand cooperation between states and private stakeholders.
Ojani said one of the main tasks in the office is to strengthen the strength of training and manual work. “It is one of our tasks to grant national and international seals of excellence (to selected high-quality handicrafts), register cities and villages as domestic and global handicraft hubs, and to help artists participate in exhibitions,” he told participants.
He added that in addition to permanent and temporary bazaars, around 7,000 handicraft stores are open throughout Iran. Online platforms have also become important sales channels, he said.
Ojani pointed out that Iran leads the world with 299 recognized craft branches classified into 18 groups. He also said that the country has 14 cities and three villages registered around the world for handicrafting, and is located in the top countries on the ground.
The formula highlighted the strengths of Iranian handicrafts, including family-based production, environmentally friendly methods, high value added, and ease of learning. He also emphasized that close cooperation between the public and private sectors will boost exports and introduce Iranian handicrafts into more international markets.
“Handicraft products exported from Iran are accepted overseas and have many buyers and supporters. With proper planning and participation from the private sector, exports can increase significantly,” Ojani said.
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