Afghan carpets find further success at North Carolina exhibition

WASHINGTON—Intricately handcrafted Afghan carpets once again found success among U.S. consumers selling 5,000 square feet of product at the October 2012 High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina.

After having immense success at the Afghanistan/USA Carpet Conference held in Dubai, UAE, Afghan carpet producers shipped carpets directly to the U.S. for exhibition amongst the carpet industry leaders at one of the largest home furnishing shows in the country.

“The Embassy facilitated the exhibition of Afghan carpets to connect talented carpet producers in Afghanistan with top industry members, including buyers and designers,” said Ambassador Hakimi. “We work diligently with the U.S. Government and private sector to encourage investment and trade in one of Afghanistan’s largest export industries.”

The Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force out of the U.S. Department of Commerce technically and financially sponsored the High Point Market exhibition appearance as a component of their ‘Sheep to Shop’ program. The carpet industry supplies many different jobs for men and especially women in Afghanistan from start to finish and supports the economy of many rural areas.

Other business-investment events coming up:

• U.S.-Afghan Business Matchmaking conference to be held December 2-4, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

The ‘Sheep to Shop’ program aims to:

• help Afghan carpet traders build a stable and sustainable future by exporting directly to US rug importers;
• analyze and improve the sheep’s wool, yarn making and dying supply chain to the carpet makers of Afghanistan;
• revitalize the carpet traders’ businesses through education, team-building and goal setting;
• help the Afghan exporters know the best type of rug to make and maintain consistency throughout the order, production and shipment process;
• educate carpet maker companies about the expectations of US rug importers, so they can fulfill their orders and build strong ongoing relationships.

Helpful Links:

• Investing in Afghanistan
• Investing In-brief
• Resource Guide