Afghanistan

In Afghanistan the Label STEP programme is just getting started. The difficult situation with respect to security, infrastructure and politics requires a slow approach. Nevertheless Label STEP could start the verification of the working conditions in Afghanistan’s carpet industry as the first fair trade label in 2008.

An employee of the Pakistani Label STEP office has travelled to Afghanistan in 2007 and in spring 2008 in order to evaluate future activities. Contacts to Afghan producers, associations and to the Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan EPAA have been established and first project ideas drafted. By specific request of the Afghan carpet industry Label STEP has planned a project that realizes courses in computer supported carpet design.

It is estimated that 5 millions of Afghans live in exile. Many of them have returned to Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a traditional carpet production country. Carpet production plays a central role in the rehabilitation of the country and creates jobs for millions of people.

The quality of the carpets is the key to success of this branch of industry in Afghanistan. Thanks to a high quality production (knotting technology, dyeing and raw material), salaries and working conditions can develop positively.