Five-Day Handicrafts Expo Opens in Fayzabad to Boost Local Economy
A five-day exhibition showcasing local products and handicrafts has opened in Fayzabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, with the aim of supporting artisans and strengthening the local economy, according to the province’s Department of Information and Culture.
Organizers say the exhibition features dozens of local products, handicrafts, and traditional goods from Badakhshan displayed across 50 booths. The event seeks to introduce more citizens to the province’s indigenous crafts.
Zabiullah Amiri, head of Badakhshan’s Department of Information and Culture, said the goal of the event is to promote the province’s handicrafts, local goods, and cultural heritage. He added that part of the initiative is dedicated to reviving traditional crafts that have disappeared in recent years.
Several vendors and artisans described the exhibition as a valuable opportunity to market and sell their products. Abdolali Yaftali, head of Badakhshan’s Carpet Weavers Union, said residents from other provinces and occasionally foreign visitors attend the fair, creating potential for the local market’s growth.
Meanwhile, some female entrepreneurs welcomed the exhibition, urging the Taliban administration to create more economic opportunities for women. Nazirane Shahristani, one of the entrepreneurs, emphasized that hosting more such events could enhance sales of women’s products both domestically and internationally.
Several participating women also called for the establishment of a dedicated women’s market in Badakhshan, saying the lack of such a space limits women’s employment and economic opportunities. They believe that creating a designated market could help improve their livelihoods.
Both exhibitors and attendees stressed that continuing such exhibitions — coupled with consistent support policies — could significantly strengthen the handicrafts sector and improve the economic situation for artisans in Badakhshan.
