Press Release

Senior Commerce Official to Lead Carpet Trade Mission to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON—U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today announced the Department’s first-ever Carpet Trade Mission to Afghanistan. Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance David Bohigian will lead the mission, which will take place August 26-28. The delegation will participate in the Afghanistan International Carpet Fair, a handmade carpet exhibition, hosted by the Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan among others, at the Serena Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan.

“For generations, Afghanistan has produced high-quality, hand-woven carpets that are renowned across the world for their intricate design and beauty,” said Secretary Gutierrez. “The industry is expected to grow substantially over the coming years and this event is a truly historic moment in the re-emergence of Afghanistan in the global carpet market.”

Mission delegates will have the opportunity to learn about business opportunities in Afghanistan’s carpet sector, including establishing supplier relationships, investing, and selling textile machinery. The Carpet Fair will feature contemporary and antique carpets from around Afghanistan. Seventy vendors will showcase their products including Afghan producers that have been in the business for centuries. The delegates will also have an opportunity to meet with high-level U.S. and Afghan government officials. The show expects to attract premier carpet importers, investors and equipment suppliers from around the world.

The Afghanistan International Carpet Fair provides a unique opportunity for Afghanistan to take a leap forward in its efforts to rehabilitate its carpet sector and promote its unique and exquisitely designed carpets to the rest of the world. This is also an opportunity for U.S. carpet professionals to network with Afghan carpet producers, visit their facilities and create long-lasting relationships.

To obtain more information including a copy of the Trade Mission Statement and application please visit http://export.gov/Afghanistan.

Contact: Noor Alam at (202) 482–1812, or by email at afghaninfo@mail.doc.gov, or you can fax requests for information to (202) 482–0980.