TEHRAN–Handicrafts products worth $24 million were exported from Hamedan province during the first half of the current Iranian calendar year 1401 (started March 21), the deputy provincial tourism chief has said.

The products include woodwork, leatherwork, traditional jewelry, traditional embroidery, and semi-precious stones, Hashem Mazaheri explained on Sunday.

Potteries produced in Lalejin held an 80 percent share of handicraft exports from the west-central province, he added.

Lalejin, a world pottery capital in Hamedan province, is one of the most essential centers for the production of earthenware and ceramics in the country.

Lalejin celebrated its registration as the world pottery capital in 2016, a privilege given by jurors of the UNESCO-affiliated World Crafts Council.

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.

Dozens of Iranian handicrafts have gained the UNESCO Seal of Excellence during the past couple of years and some 295 fields of handicrafts are currently practiced across Iran with more than two million people engaging, the majority of whom are women.

ABU/AM