Afghanistan and Turkey Emphasize Strengthening Carpet Industry Cooperation and Facilitating Exports to Europe

Weezharoz-The meeting, attended by senior officials from the Union of Afghan Carpet Producers and Exporters, focused on strengthening bilateral engagement in the carpet sector one of Afghanistan’s most prominent traditional and export-oriented industries.

During the discussions, both sides emphasized the symbolic and economic significance of Afghan carpets, portraying them as part of the country’s cultural heritage and a vital component of its non-oil exports.

Mr. Ahmet Diler praised the quality of Afghan carpets and acknowledged their positive impact on Turkey’s carpet industry.

He noted that the Turkish Carpet Union, comprising around 500 active members, is fully prepared to support Afghanistan’s carpet sector and encourage joint investment opportunities.

Mr. Azizi highlighted Turkey’s strategic position as a gateway to European markets and stressed that reducing tariffs and expanding institutional collaboration between the two countries would facilitate Afghan carpet exports to Europe a move he described as mutually beneficial.

The Afghan minister also announced his country’s readiness to launch joint initiatives in marketing, advertising, website development, joint exhibitions, and global awareness campaigns for carpets.

Additionally, he proposed the establishment of a trilateral program involving Afghanistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan (which has an independent carpet ministry) to globally promote carpet culture.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Afghan and Turkish carpet unions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation and implement joint initiatives during Mr. Diler’s official visit to Kabul.

This visit, held at the formal invitation of the Union of Afghan Carpet Producers and Exporters, is considered a significant step toward enhancing trade and cultural ties between the two nations.

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