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Las Vegas Market to Feature Afgnan Rug Producers
Home Furnishings Business
01.21.2008
World Market Center 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, Jan. 28-Feb. 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, vice president of international business development for World Market Center. “This partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce will increase business ties, stimulate trade and assist Afghanistan to establish vendor relationships to export their impressive hand-woven rugs, which are among the cultural products they are known for around the world.”
In addition to more than 10 Afghan carpet exporters featuring their products in this specialty showcase, the Afghan Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mir Muhammad Amin Farhang, and Said Tayeb Jawad, Afghan Ambassador to the United States, will make a visit during the Afghan Gala and Buffet, Jan. 29, 5-7 p.m. This event will feature Afghan culture, cuisine, carpets, fashion and music.
“For generations, Afghanistan has produced high-quality, hand-woven rugs that are renowned across the world for their intricate design and beauty,” said Under Secretary of the International Trade Administration, Christopher Padilla. “The industry is expected to grow substantially and this trade show marks the re-emergence of Afghanistan as a competitor in the global rug market.”
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. Hand woven rugs were designated as duty free under the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences program as part of a Presidential Proclamation in June 2005.
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