In an interview with Iran Press on Saturday, the minister of industry, Mohammad Shariatmadari, talked about the history of international hand-woven carpet exhibition in Tehran, saying the event started 26 years ago in 1992, and gathers under one roof all those who are connected with Iran's carpet industry.
He added: "This year's exhibition is taking place in 50000 square meters of office space, with 270 Iranian companies, and 70 foreign companies from 26 countries taking part. He said countries from all five continents are present in this year's exhibition.
Shariatmadari assured Iran's carpet industry of government support, arguing that this ancient Iranian handicraft which is exported to other countries, should be further developed and expanded.
Turning to events which are happening on the sidelines of the exhibition, Shariatmadari said the official unveiling of a carpet for a World Against Violence and Extremism (wave) , also known as the 'carpet of peace' is an important event this year. He said: "This carpet has been hand-woven in Iran and will soon be put on display, and presented to the international community. Dozens of other cultural and artistic events are taking place on the margins of the exhibition".
In further remarks, the industry minister said: "We shall witness the growth and development of the carpet industry. This year has been designated as the year of supporting Iranian-manufactured goods by the Leader of the Islamic revolution. Perhaps, we don't have a commodity or merchandise which is more closely associated with Iranian culture and art than a hand-woven carpet -- it literally carries the name of Iran.
