The four-day exhibition Afghan Impressions was a unique rug event held during the Atlanta Area Rug Show from Jan. 18 to 21, 2007. The exhibition served as the most recent development in the ongoing bilateral steps taken to connect Afghan rug producers with U.S. buyers in support of socio-economic prosperity in Afghanistan. Afghan rugs generate exports of over $50 million annually and provide an important source of employment and revenue for Afghan weavers. H.E. Minister of Commerce & Industries, Dr. Mir Muhammad Amin Farhang, traveled from Afghanistan to participate in the exhibition, accompanied by a group of 10 senior executives of Afghan rug weaving companies, as well as representatives of the newly established Export Promotion Center of Afghanistan. This exhibition followed the successful July 2006 visit by another Afghan business delegation to the United States, where the delegates gained a greater understanding of the international textile industry through meetings with government and business executives.
Minister Farhang delivered remarks to the audience of more than 200 rug buyers, prominent investors, and community and government leaders. "We are proud to see Afghanistan's esteemed products on display in the U.S. and available to interested buyers," Farhang said. "We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to promote such opportunities, allowing the U.S. consumer to witness firsthand the beauty, quality and art of an Afghan-made rug."
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Mr. David Sampson also welcomed the delegation of Afghan rug producers to the United States. "The Commerce Department is committed to increasing bilateral business ties and stimulating trade and investment between our two countries, which we believe will lead to significant improvements in the welfare of the Afghan people," said Deputy Secretary Sampson. "A smart step toward this goal is to help Afghanistan export their impressive hand woven rugs, among the cultural products they are known for around the world."
Afghanistan's Ambassador to the United States Said T. Jawad encouraged the audience to let the art of rug weaving be a conduit to Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage and political stabilization. "Afghan rugs connect you to thousands of years of history, a group of talented artists halfway around the world, and a reconstruction process that is helping millions of people find security, prosperity, education and new hope," he said.
Afghan Impressions: Area Rug Artistry & Inspiration was organized by the Economic, Trade & Investment Department of the Embassy of Afghanistan, in coordination with the Export Promotion Center of Afghanistan, the U.S. Department of Commerce and AmericasMart, Atlanta. Many different rugs from different regions of Afghanistan were on display. The event was accompanies by Afghan music, folk dance and food.
