KABUL, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported more than 760,000 square meters of handmade carpets to overseas markets so far this year, marking an increase over previous years, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said on Saturday.
According to the office, the carpet industry employs nearly one million people, directly and indirectly, across the country and remains one of its key traditional export sectors.
The statement said most of the carpets are exported to Europe and the Middle East.
Officials said the increase in exports reflects the continued growth of Afghanistan's carpet industry and its contribution to employment, non-traditional exports and economic development. ■