INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN – Two creative centers for handicrafts and tourism are planned to be set up in the southwestern Kohgiluyeh-Boyer Ahmad province,
the provincial tourism chief has announced.These centers play an important role in the development and support of digital companies related
to tourism and handicrafts in the province, Saeid Talebipur said on Wednesday.It is possible to create jobs for locals by supporting
creative ideas in the tourism and handicrafts sectors, the official added.The southwestern province is known for its nomads and nomadic life
Sightseers may live with a nomadic or rural family for a while or enjoy an independent stay and assist them with day-to-day life
It also opens up an opportunity to feel rustic routines, their agriculture, traditions, arts, and culture.Wide-ranging handicraftsWith 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
For instance, Shiraz is named a “world city of [diverse] handicrafts”, Malayer is a global hub for woodcarving and carved-wood
furniture, while Zanjan has gained the title of a “world city of filigree”.In addition, the ancient city of Shiraz has been chosen to
host the 39th General Assembly of the World Crafts Council-Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR) in May 2023
Shiraz has a remarkable amount of handicraft pioneers
With an average age of 70, some of these pioneers are still active at their workshops
The occupational records of about 100 pioneers are collected and are annually praised by the custodians of the WCC General Office.Available
data compiled by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts suggests the value of Iran’s handicrafts exports stood at
$120 million during the first eleven months of the Iranian calendar year 1399 (March 20, 2020 – February 18, 2021), Mehr reported
The country’s handicrafts exports slumped during the mentioned months in comparison to the same period last a year earlier due to the
damage the coronavirus pandemic has inflicted on global trade.The Islamic Republic exported $427 million worth of handicrafts during the
first eleven months of the calendar year 1398 (started March 2019)
Of the figure, some $190 million was earned via suitcase trade (allowed for customs-free and tax-free transfer) through 20 provinces,
according to data compiled by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts
Ceramics, pottery vessels, handwoven cloths as well as personal ornamentations with precious and semi-precious gemstones are traditionally
exported to Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, the U.S., the UK, and other countries.ABU/MG
