The 20th edition of Isfahan Handmade Carpet Exhibition is in full swing. The event opened at Isfahan International Permanent Fairgrounds on November 30 and will run through December 6, IRNA reported. According to Chairman of Isfahan Industries, Mining and Trade Organization Esrafil Ahmadieh, Isfahan exported 44 tons of handmade carpets worth $89 million during the seven months to October 22. About $180 million worth of handmade carpets were exported from Iran during the seven-month period, registering a 7.8% increase compared with the similar period of last year. Last year’s exports amounted to $359 million. Persian hand-woven carpets are exported to 80 countries. Ahmadieh noted that carpet weavers in Isfahan are offered one-billion-rial ($24,160) loans with 3-4% interest rate. Isfahan is home to around 280,000 carpet weavers working in 150 carpet production units. According to the National Carpet Center, Iran is the biggest exporter of hand-woven carpets with a 30% share in global markets.
