Export boom encourages producers
According to Moj news agency, Seyyed Ezzatullah Zarghami, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, in a meeting with a group of exporters and activists in the field of handicrafts held at the minister’s office, said: One of the issues that should be given serious attention in the field of handicrafts export is Creating a planning office. Export is important in all fields, but it becomes more important in the field of handicrafts.
He said: “The purpose of this meeting is for you to express the issues.” For example, we should look for solutions regarding raw materials, customs barriers and other problems in this meeting and meetings like this. If the export issues are resolved, the producer will be encouraged and will work in three shifts.
Zarghami continued: Handicrafts are very important to me as the minister of this ministry. That’s why I hold a lot of meetings with craft activists and producers and visit fairs and markets. Sometimes my visits last up to 3 hours, and during these visits and meetings, I talk closely with activists and handicraft producers.
Referring to the importance of introducing Iranian handicrafts in different countries of the world, he added: The new ambassador of Iran in Spain met with me a few days before his departure, and in that meeting I talked to him about the importance of Iranian handicrafts.
Zarghami added: Cultural advisors have an important role and all our cultural advisors should organize handicraft exhibitions in their mission. This will boost the marketing of handicrafts.
The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts mentioned: One of the characteristics of the export of handicrafts is that its volume is usually small and it is not difficult to export. Therefore, in addition to major exports, it is possible to export in the form of retail and luggage. Therefore, small export packages should be defined so that the export of handicrafts can be done more easily.
Referring to the importance of strengthening cooperation between his ministry and the private sector, Zarghami added: “You and I are one, and we must do both kinds of work with each other’s help.” One is to remove obstacles and the second is to create incentives. Both are important and can help export handicrafts better. As much as the export of handicrafts is strengthened, it will benefit the country and the production will also prosper. There are high capacities in the production of handicraft products, which can be used in the best way in sales and exports.
In this meeting, Maryam Jalali, Deputy Minister of Handicrafts of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, as well as a number of exporters, in the presence of Zarghami, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, expressed their views and presented their materials.