KABUL: Mahmoud Najafi Arab, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, has claimed that Afghanistan has become a competitor to Iran in the global carpet market, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
Najafi highlighted Afghanistan, along with China and Turkey, as countries that are impacting Iran’s carpet exports due to Western sanctions. He alleged that these countries employ Iranian weavers to produce carpets.
The remarks were made during Iran’s National Handwoven Carpet Day.
Najafi Arab’s remarks come amid growing recognition of Afghan carpets in European and American markets, which have been capturing attention for many years.
Previously, Iranian officials have made similar statements regarding Afghan saffron, which is renowned for its flavor and has been recognized as a top competitor globally.