TEHRAN (IRNA) -- Head of Tehran Gold and Jewelry Union said Wednesday that various kinds of gold, jewelry, and ornament worth of $123 million were exported from Iran in the last Iranian calendar year (ended March 20, 2007).

Kurosh Goharbin added that 80 percent of the exports were destined for Persian Gulf Arab states including Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, THE UAE, and Central Asian states.

He noted that Iran, as one of the leading exporters and producers of gold and jewelry, has managed to receive export award.

Citing the 7,000-year experience of Iran in gold and jewelry, Goharbin added that during March 2005-2006 more than 137 million worth of gold was exported to different countries.

He recalled that countries such as Turkey, Italy, Thailand, and China are Iran's rivals in the field of production and export of gold and jewelry.

Goharbin added that about 30 goldsmith factories are active throughout the country of which 10 units export their products.