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Iran pushes to revive handicraft sector
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi Amiri, said that Tehran is seeking to shield the country’s fragile handicraft industry from mounting economic strain by rolling out emergency support tools including special credit lines, new social responsibility programs, and a national assistance fund.
The comments followed several high-level meetings with industry stakeholders, including hotel owners and eco-lodge operators.
Salehi Amiri said the government is drawing up a crisis-response package to keep the country’s centuries-old handicraft sector from falling apart under pressure. “If the production chain breaks down,” he warned, “a large number of people will lose their jobs.”
The minister said two types of support are under discussion: routine programs like banking facilities and training, and crisis-time actions that require “field research” and targeted intervention. The proposed National Handicrafts Support Fund, discussed in recent days with industry associations, is expected to play a “critical” role.
Salehi Amiri also urged greater engagement from the private sector through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. “Adapting to the new situation,” he said, “must be part of any sustainable solution.”
The minister stressed that restoring the natural cycle of production, distribution, and market access is essential to stabilizing the industry. Without it, he warned, rural workshops and small-scale producers could be pushed out of business.
According to Salehi Amiri, three strategy meetings were held in recent days with hotel operators, eco-lodge owners, and artisans to develop a coordinated plan. Among the ideas floated was the creation of technical working groups to monitor and respond to ongoing challenges.
Tourism’s sharp slowdown has also taken a toll on handicraft sales, the minister said, noting that the two sectors are “deeply interlinked.” As visitor traffic dwindles, so too does demand for traditional handmade goods, many of which are sold in tourist-heavy regions.
Salehi Amiri said the government has approved a new support package aimed at small workshops and rural artisans. The plan, which includes financial aid, will soon be added to Iran’s broader economic relief programs.