IRNA - Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council lauded the handicraft industry's role in increasing the country's soft power and influence.


Iran ranks third in the world in terms of diversity of its handicraft industry, Ali Shamkhani said in a local ceremony.

He noted that the handicraft industry can become a driving force behind the economy of resistance and can speed up national production, boost export and increase employment.

Shamkhani referred to Iran's disproportionate share of the world's 257 billion dollars handicraft market and noted that Iran's handicraft industry is a symbol of its identity and culture and should get promoted.

Iran's handicraft industry is a symbol of Iran's power and identity and can prepare the ground for spread of Iran's spiritual influence in the world, he added.