Pakistani carpet exporters are being urged to rapidly adopt modern technology and digital platforms to gain unprecedented access to global markets, a crucial step for the future of the traditional hand-knotted carpet industry.
Ejaz-ur-Rehman, Chairman of the Carpet Training Institute (CTI), said today that manufacturers and exporters must adapt to rapidly changing international trends. He stated that efforts are underway to expand the institute’s platform to facilitate this essential adaptation.
The CTI head emphasized that high-quality visual content, including images and videos, and compelling stories about product craftsmanship and production background play a vital role in building consumer confidence. He stressed the need for active engagement on all social media channels, suggesting that short videos showcasing the carpet-making process on platforms like TikTok could generate interest among the youth, while Facebook Marketplace and live streaming events could boost direct sales.
Furthermore, Mr. Rehman highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to analyze international market trends, inform product design based on consumer preferences, and guide color selection. He also highlighted the strategic advantage of virtual showrooms for engaging women buyers, especially for hand-knotted carpets.
Regarding prevailing tastes, the institute’s head observed a growing global inclination towards light and neutral color palettes with simple, minimalist designs, although a consistent demand for modern interpretations of traditional patterns continues. He concluded that despite increasing international competition, Pakistani carpets can strengthen their position in overseas markets through improved digital proficiency, high quality, and consistency.