Golestan Plans To Boost Handicraft Exports

Tehran, Nov 2, IRNA - The Caspian province of Golestan exported nearly 94b rials ($3.1m) worth handicrafts during March 21-Sept. 22, said the director general of Golestan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department. Qorban Abbasi added that handicrafts such as jajim (a two-sided flat-woven rug), gabbeh (a kind of rug), kilim (flat tapestry carpet), Batik printing (painting and printing on cloth), and cushions are exported to Spain, Germany, Switzerland, USA, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Italy, according to Sunday's edition of 'Iran Daily'. “Close to 320 identification cards have been issued for Golestan artisans and 635 identification cards have been renewed,” he said. “Close to 1,432 took part in short-term training courses.” Abbasi said the province seeks to launch handicraft markets, build a brand name for its handicrafts, expand health insurance coverage and grant monthly stipends to veteran artisans. Golestan Handicrafts Department has standardized handicraft production, launched handicraft companies, held handicraft training centers and allocated land in Azadshahr for establishing a handicraft complex. The official called for launching handicraft houses to train, producing and selling handicrafts, easing handicraft exports from Incheh-Boroon Border, and targeting a 10-percent rise in handicraft exports. The department seeks to cede affairs to private sector, activate commerce, increase marketing of handicraft producers through permanent exhibitions and purchase Mehr Aieen Garage and convert it into a handicraft trade center and Golestan Handicrafts House. Abbasi called for reviving fields of handicrafts as spiritual heritage, using the capacities of offices, organization, universities and educational centers for extending handicraft training, promoting handicrafts and gaining a foothold in international markets./end