KATHMANDU, Feb 7: The Government of Nepal today unveiled its National Pashmina Sector Export Strategy 2022-2026', which is expected to enhance the supply capacities of the private sector and reconnect the sector with regional and global markets for more Himalayan Chyangra Pashmina exports.
The launch comes after several rounds of multi-stakeholder consultations by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS), in collaboration with the Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA), as part of the EU-Nepal Trade and Investment Programme (TIP), a project funded by the European Union. with technical support from the International Trade Centre (ITC)
ITC provided technical assistance in designing the Strategy, focusing on quick-win economic and business opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the Pashmina value chain. In 2021, Nepal exported Pashmina shawls worth Rs 2.53 billion (USD 19.31 million), up by 18% as compared to the amount recorded in 2020.
Traders claim pashmina exports on the rise
The Strategy aims at addressing the sector's constraints and defines opportunities through a detailed Plan of Action. The Strategy is set to help achieve more national prosperity through increased, sustainable exports of Chyangra Pashmina from Nepal, with a goal of USD 75 million worth of exports by the end of 2026. The Strategy has further detailed the plan of action, coordination, and implementation mechanism with clear roles and responsibilities for all concerned stakeholders.
Meanwhile, a foundation stone of the planned Pashmina Fibre Processing Centre was laid in Harishiddi Lalitpur. The Centre is expected to establish a link between Chyangra farmers and traders for better market prospects and quality fibre production.
Speaking on the occasion of the strategy launching ceremony as the chief guest Damodar Bhandari, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies said,"Chyangra Pashmina is one of Nepal's promising exportable ‘low-volume,high-value’ products. Considering its positive socio-economic impact on the entire value chain from farmers in high mountain districts and producers to exporters, the Government of Nepal has prioritized the value chain development of it."
Madhu Marasini, Commerce Secretary said "The Strategy will play a significant role to enhance backward linkage and promote export of Nepali Chyangra Pashmina in coming years.
Peteris Ustubs, Director for Middle East, Asia, EU Department for International Partnerships / EU Ambassdor) expressed pleasure to support the EU to the Nepal government to develop the Strategy which will unleash the huge potential for the production and promotion of Nepali Chyangra Pashmina by generating employment opportunities in rural areas.
"We should be proud of having designed the Strategy. However, the work does not stop here. The challenge is implementation. If we want the Strategy to improve the lives of the Nepalese people, then we must move from words to action. With EU support, ITC is already moving the Strategy to implementation,” said Ashish Shah, Director of Country Programs, International Trade Centre.
Vijoy Dugar, President, Nepal Pashmina Industry Association, said Nepal’s private sector is ready to extend all-out support to the government to implement it effectively and thanked to the Government of Nepal Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies for formulating a crucial and action-oriented document, appreciating the European Union for the financial support and the International Trade Centre (ITC) for technical support.
