Jawzjan — Carpet makers and traders in Aqcha district in northern Afghanistan's Jawzjan province have complained about shortages of raw materials, high transport costs and difficulty accessing export markets.
According to TOLOnews, people working in the local industry say handmade carpet production has fallen compared with earlier years. A local union representative cited a decline in daily output from previous levels, while exporters gave examples of rising air freight costs.
A representative of the provincial industry and commerce department said measures had been taken to address some banking and electricity-related problems. Nevertheless, craftspeople continue to call for better access to markets and raw materials.
Carpet weaving provides livelihoods to many families, including women. Better supply chains, quality standards, marketing and affordable export options will be important for the industry's development.