New York—In an effort to promote cooperation and understanding of the handmade carpet industry among the world’s manufacturing and importing countries, the World Handmade Carpet Organization (WHCO) has been created.

Founding member countries include China, India and Pakistan, but others, such as Nepal and Iran are expected to join, as are carpet associations, raw material suppliers and other providers from around the world as the organization moves forward.

Nazir (Cooki) Khan has been elected chairman. Khan, who will serve a three-year term, is president of Miaco International, a prominent rug manufacturer in Lahore, Pakistan.

While Khan was recently in New York promoting WHCO to area importers, the organization has already sponsored two handmade carpet exhibitions—in New Delhi, India, and Xining, China—and is planning a third from Aug. 28 to 31 in Lahore.

Khan said WHCO has a multi-tiered mission. “We want to create an environment of understanding and cooperation among the rug producing nations. One of our most important goals is to let consumers know how important rug production is to the social and economic fabric of life for the weavers. The purchase of one handmade carpet can support a family for an entire year. That fact alone greatly enhances both the beauty and value of every handmade rug.”

In terms of its goals, he said the association has both short and long-term ambitions.

To begin with, Khan said, “concerted efforts will be made to increase the consumption of handmade rugs around the world by winning the confidence of consumers by using good quality raw materials which meet international standards.

“This objective will be achieved through mutual cooperation and collaboration among all the manufacturing countries,” he continued.”

Looking ahead, Khan noted there is a need to modernize the industry by adopting modern techniques in design development, production, management and marketing. “The manufacturing countries will have to share technological information, research and development, and marketing efforts in order to upgrade their domestic production.”

To learn more about WHCO, contact Khan at asifk@ brain.net.pk or cooki@miacocarpets.com.