WMC to Showcase Afghan Rug Selection
Gifts & Decorative Accessories
01.21.2008
LAS VEGAS – A special showcase of Afghan rugs will be featured at the World Market Center (WMC) next week. In an effort to introduce home furnishings buyers to a wide selection of products from around the world, WMC officials will welcome a delegation of Afghan rug producers to the United States for a special showcase on Afghanistan’s economic and cultural revival at the January Las Vegas Market, January 28 – February 1.
Afghan Inspirations, located in Building B, showroom B-162, will exhibit some of the world’s most ornate and well-crafted hand-woven rugs, created by using centuries old weaving techniques.
“World Market Center is honored to have been selected by the Department of Commerce as an international platform for this exhibit, which promises to be a rich presentation of products and culture,” said Tim Branscome, the WMC's vice president of international business development. He added that the partnership with Commerce will increase business ties, stimulate trade and assist Afghanistan to establish vendor relationships.
In addition to more than 10 Afghan carpet exporters featuring their products in this specialty showcase, the Afghan Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Mir Muhammad Amin Farhang, and Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad, Afghan Ambassador to the United States, will make a visit during the Afghan Gala and Buffet, January 29 from 5 – 7 p.m. This event will feature Afghan culture, cuisine, carpets, fashion and music.
The U.S. commercial relationship with Afghanistan continues to expand. As of October 2007, two-way trade reached $470 million, a 25 percent increase over 2006. As an element of this bilateral trade, Afghan rugs are allowed access to the American market duty free, creating opportunities that facilitate business partnerships.
