Afghan Carpet Organization for Excellence Launched
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan (EPAA) and leading Afghan carpet producers today launched the Afghan Carpet Organization for Excellence (ACOFE), signing a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on increasing the exports of highly regarded Afghan handmade carpets. ACOFE will provide its members with marketing support, business training, improved buying power, and information on trends in global carpet markets.
"Afghanistan has a proud tradition in handmade carpets dating back hundreds of years," said Haji Mohamad Nabi, an award winning and globally recognized Afghan carpet designer. "While the past 35 years have been challenging, we still bring high quality carpets to the global marketplace. ACOFE will improve our exposure at leading industry shows, develop new styles, and ease doing business with the Afghan carpet industry."
"Afghan carpets are highly regarded throughout the world. We are confident that ACOFE can help increase Afghan carpet sales and provide increased employment opportunities to thousands of predominantly female weavers in rural areas," said Najlla Habibyar, Director of EPAA.
Reza Momeni, of the U.S. based Oriental Rug Importers' Association, welcomed the launch. "We congratulate the Afghan carpet industry on its efforts to adapt to changes in the high end carpet industry. We have seen significant evolution in carpet styles and major changes in sources of supply over the past decade, and our members look forward to doing more business with the many Afghan producers with a long history in the industry."
The ACOFE launch was funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Sheep to Shop program, supported by the Department's Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force.
ACOFE will begin a program of member training, market development and collective buying agreements this summer.
About EPAA
EPAA is part of Afghanistan's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and is responsible for encouraging exports of Afghan products to support the country's economic development..
About the Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force
The Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force of the U.S. Department of Commerce coordinates activities designed to help Afghanistan develop a sustainable economy.
About ORIA
The Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA) is a national trade association formed to foster ethical business practices and promote the best interests of the Oriental Rug Trade in the United States and in countries that produce Oriental rugs.
SOURCE Afghan Carpet Organization for Excellence
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