TEHRAN – Local authorities will establish a center dedicated to wooden artworks and woodturning in the city of Borujerd, which is situated in western Lorestan province.

“Considering Borujerd’s rich history and potential as a city of woodworks, a specialized craft center will be set up here to focus on this specialty,” the provincial tourism chief, Seyyed Amin Qasemi, said on Sunday.

Establishing such centers is hoped to play a key role in generating jobs for the locals and attracting more tourists to the region, the official added.

With 14 entries, Iran ranks first globally for the number of cities and villages registered by the World Crafts Council, as China with seven entries, Chile with four, and India with three ones come next.

The value of Iran’s handicrafts exports stood at $120 million during the first eleven months of the past Iranian calendar year 1399 (March 20, 2020 – February 18, 2021), Mehr reported. The country’s handicrafts exports slumped during the mentioned months in comparison to the same period last a year earlier due to the damage the coronavirus pandemic has inflicted on global trade.

The Islamic Republic exported $427 million worth of handicrafts during the first eleven months of the calendar year 1398. Of the figure, some $190 million was earned via suitcase trade (allowed for customs-free and tax-free transfer) through 20 provinces, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.

Ceramics, pottery vessels, handwoven cloths as well as personal ornamentations with precious and semi-precious gemstones are traditionally exported to Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, the U.S., the UK, and other countries.

ABU/AFM