TEHRAN - In a bid to expand the market for Iranian handicrafts, Farzad Owjani, who presides over the tourism ministry’s department for marketing and commercialization of handicrafts, has highlighted China as a potential major destination for exports.

Owjani emphasized China's cultural proximity, vast population, and the significant percentage of affluent individuals as factors that could make it the largest and most lucrative market for Iranian handicrafts, ILNA reported on Saturday.

While acknowledging other potential markets such as Turkey, Algeria, Germany, Pakistan, and Qatar, Owjani stressed the need for strategic coordination to empower the private sector in the handicraft industry.

The official pointed out the private sector's strength in production but emphasized the necessity of a robust private marketing sector to maximize the industry's potential.

Owjani revealed that efforts have been underway for a year to establish a strong company, comprising both sectoral and non-sectoral stakeholders, to contribute to the strategic goals in the handicraft sector.

Regarding the process of commercializing handicrafts, Owjani highlighted the importance of creating value chains and intergenerational links, underscoring the potential economic impact and added value of handicraft exports.

Highlighting the versatility of Iranian handicrafts, Owjani noted that they have the potential to penetrate any market globally, owing to their diverse range, from leatherworks to wooden products and rugs.

Responding to a question about Iran's current major export destinations for handicrafts, Owjani listed countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Germany, where Iranian handicrafts, including glassware, ceramics, and rugs, are in high demand. He also mentioned the Persian Gulf littoral states as significant destinations for exports of precious and semi-precious stones.

Owjani announced the upcoming expo of handicrafts scheduled from April 27th to May 1st at the Tehran International Exhibition Center, adding that another exhibition will be held in late summer to further showcase Iranian handicrafts.

At present, a total of 13 cities and three villages in Iran have been registered by the World Council of Handicrafts as “world cities of handicrafts”. The World Crafts Council is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 1964 to promote fellowship, foster economic development through income-generating craft-related activities, and organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions.

AM