The handcrafted rug and carpet industry in Iraq may undergo significant changes following remarks from a senior government official who deemed the sector financially unsustainable.
During a visit to several traditional factories in Baghdad, including those involved in rug production, Khaled Battal Al-Najm, Minister of Industry and Minerals, expressed concerns about the sector's viability.
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'The handmade carpet industry is important for preserving the heritage and the craft of weaving, but it is not economically viable,' stated Al-Najm.
He emphasised the necessity to reassess the status of various factories and companies within the sector, aligning with governmental initiatives and the objectives of the Supreme Committee for Restructuring Public Companies, overseen by the Prime Minister. Al-Najm assured that measures would be taken to safeguard the rights of affected employees.
The minister's comments suggest a potential shift in Iraq's approach to its rug and carpet industry, as authorities contemplate strategies to address its economic challenges.
Source: shafaq.com