TEHRAN – Iran’s handicrafts exports reached $107 million in the first half of the current Iranian calendar year (started March 21), growing 9.5 percent year on year.

“Export of handicrafts in the first six months of this Iranian calendar year earned the country more than $107 million, showing an increase of 9.5% compared to the figure in the same period the previous year,” said deputy director of the Historical Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, IRNA reported.

Pouya Mahmoudian made the remarks on Tuesday, addressing a Tehran conference held in commemoration of top artists and artisans of the 30th national handicraft exhibition.

“From the beginning of the year until the end of September, we held 11 national, regional and provincial [handicrafts] exhibitions and they were well received,” she said.

She also remarked that her organization has launched five permanent handicrafts markets during the period, saying “We believe [this way] that more people could have access to handicrafts.”

According to data compiled by the CHHTO, Iran exported $237 million of handicrafts in [the Iranian calendar year] 1395 (March 2016-March 2017).

Traditional ceramics, pottery vessels, handwoven cloths as well as personal ornamentations with precious and semi-precious gemstones are among Iranian exports to Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany, the U.S., the UK and other countries.

Dozens of Iranian handicrafts have gained the UNESCO Seal of Excellence during the past couple of years.

AFM/MQ/MG