Problems confronted by traditional Afghanistan rug/carpet manufacturing businesses in supply chain and their solutions

In this research, the recent problems and difficulties confronted by carpet sector of Afghanistan are explained. The content of this research encompasses the review of literature, policies of private and government organizations, carpet manufacturers, weavers and sellers, and carpet traders based on interview. Carpet sector is an essential element in commodity market with its widespread use. In addition to the automation-related products that have the advantage in terms of price and product performance, the demand for traditional products has also not decreased yet. Hand-woven products in the carpet industry are considered luxury goods. Afghanistan carpets have artfully acquired an important position in this area. Although this type of carpet is a desired product, there is not enough production. Afghanistan is a country with a rich history and traditional carpet and rug products. Competitive advantage of other Asian carpet manufacturers and exporters, lack of branding and marketing channels, lack of access to finance, low quality raw materials, insufficient cutting and washing facilities, market research and limited education, corruption, unemployment and poverty are the main problems of the sector. The aim of this study is to examine the whole supply chain from the process of production of traditional Afghanistan carpets to the sale to customers and, if any, to find the problematic areas and offer solutions. The study will examine the enterprises and supply chain rings in city Faryab, which is known as an important hub for production of carpets in Afghanistan. Handicrafts, which do not have any organized industry and are the most potent in terms of production potential in the region, are taken from the supply chain perspective that would eventually help in figuring out the nature of problems. Eventually the results inferred will be put together with literature and explained in the interview. The results will be explained by DEMATEL method. The problems encountered in the supply chain will be identified and the solution methods in the literature will be matched to these problems. Keywords: Supply Chain, Supply Chain Problems, Traditional Afghanistan Carpet, DEMATEL Method