A high-level meeting between the Iran National Carpet Center and an Uzbek trade delegation has opened new avenues for cooperation in silk, sericulture, and handmade carpets. Industry leaders emphasized that silk has always been deeply linked to Iran’s carpet tradition, and Uzbekistan—with more than 30,000 tons of silk cocoon and yarn production annually—is now the world’s third-largest producer after China and India.
Expanding Trade, Sericulture, and Cultural Collaboration
The session highlighted shared opportunities in raw material supply, training programs, carpet design, and joint production projects, with both sides calling the gathering a symbolic “Silk Road family reunion.” Iranian experts underlined Uzbekistan’s reputation for premium silk quality and the rich heritage of Bukhara carpets, while noting that Iran’s designers and producers can add artistic and commercial value through collaboration.
Trade statistics reflect growing ties: in the first four months of this year, Iran’s exports to Uzbekistan reached $170 million, a 42% rise from last year, while imports from Uzbekistan—valued at $33 million—also recorded a similar increase. Nearly 60% of Iran’s imports from Uzbekistan consist of textile-related goods, underscoring the strategic importance of the sector.
Both sides stressed that this cooperation can support sustainable growth, private sector engagement, and regional value chains, positioning Iran and Uzbekistan as key partners in the global silk and carpet industry.
