A new carpet weaving center has been established in the Nahr-e-Shahi district of Balkh province by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at a cost of $350,000. The center aims to provide employment and vocational training for Afghan returnees from neighboring countries, with a focus on reviving the country’s traditional carpet industry.
During the opening ceremony, Abdul Rahman Rashid, the Deputy Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, announced that the center will employ 200 individuals, including both men and women. “Carpet weavers here will not only weave carpets but also learn a profession,” said Rashid. “We have set up similar centers for refugees in other regions to help them acquire skills and earn a lawful livelihood.”
Asadullah Wafa, head of the Refugees and Repatriation Department in Balkh, highlighted that the center will provide jobs for approximately 100 men and 100 women. Local residents of Qalin Bafan village, where the center is located, expressed their excitement about the opportunities it presents.
Ghausuddin, a villager, explained, “People used to weave carpets in their homes, but they had no access to markets. Now, through this center, they can present their carpets to international buyers.” Another resident, Abdul Ghiyas, added, “I was unemployed, and now I have a job. We hope that more support will be provided by organizations in the future.”
Afghan carpets are famous globally, with thousands of meters exported annually, providing livelihoods for countless families. The new center is expected to boost the local economy and create sustainable income for returnees and local artisans.
