TEHRAN -- From March 2001 to Jan.2002, some $1.296 billion worth of minerals and industrial commodities have been exported.

Ahmad Qasemi, the general manager of the export department of the Mines and Industries Ministry said that it has been estimated that during the year 1380 (March 20, 2001- March 20, 2002) exports of minerals and industrial commodities will earn about $1.72 billion of revenue.

He added that in the first ten months of the current year, the auto-manufacturing, steel, mineral and chemical products industries experienced 150%, 132%, 59%, and 54% growth respectively in comparison to the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile, the handicrafts industry experienced a 25% decline compared to the corresponding period last year.