Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization has expanded its plans to support women artisans, who dominate the handicrafts industry.
"Women constitute 70% of the people active in the handicrafts sector, many of whom are single parents. They are playing an active role not only in the production of exquisite craftsmanship but also in promoting the export of such products," Pouya Mahmoudian, ICHHTO's deputy for Handicrafts and Traditional Arts, told state TV on Wednesday.
"Our backing for craftswomen includes, among other things, encouraging and facilitating their participation in [domestic and] international exhibitions."
ICHHTO has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tourism Bank to offer craftspeople 10 to 200 million rials in loans with a maturity period of 30 months, which could be extended for up to six months, Mahmoudian said.
Measures to boost the export of Iranian handicrafts and curb imports have been on ICHHTO's agenda, she said.
"The import of non-Iranian craft products has been banned and the exporters have been exempted from a law requiring export revenues to be changed to the rial."
Mahmoudian said a contract under negotiation between ICHHTO and the Agricultural, Rural and Nomadic Insurance Fund to provide coverage for artisans is expected to be finalized in less than three weeks.
Untapped Treasure
She reaffirmed her organization's commitment to create 60,000 jobs in rural areas by March 2019, saying, "Fortunately, the progress made so far indicates that many youths have recognized the economic potential of handicrafts."
Mass migration to cities has slowed at villages that have established themselves as handicraft hubs.
"We are witnessing a reversed trend of migration by the residents of villages that have been designated as an international or national handicraft village and have seen a boost in employment and income," the official said.
The 30th National Handicraft Exhibition was held last week, showcasing crafts from 31 provinces displayed at more than 500 stalls put up over an area of 8,000 square meters in the Tehran International Fairground.
Commenting on the event, she said, "One of the features of the exhibition that appealed to all visitors was the wide range of designs and colors put on display."
The wide-ranging artworks on exhibit included glassware, leatherwork, ornaments, woodcarving, marquetry, pottery, ceramics and rock art. The weeklong handicraft exposition came to a close on Friday.
Mahmoudian said the handicrafts market has the potential to drive efforts to help the Iranian economy weather US sanctions meant to paralyze its banking, oil and other industries.
"Handicrafts are among the untapped treasures of the country, which, if given the needed support, can definitely play a significant role in protecting the national economy and livelihood at the most difficult times."
