Nepal Pashmina International Expo 2025 begins in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Nepal Pashmina International Expo 2025, organised by the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA), commenced in Kathmandu, on Thursday. Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, inaugurated the three-day event.

In his inaugural address, Minister Bhandari emphasised that the Pashmina industry is a crucial part of Nepal's identity. He highlighted the global recognition of Nepali Pashmina, which competes with products from countries like China and Mongolia.

"Nepali Pashmina has a strong market in various countries, including the United States, Japan, and Europe. However, there is a challenge in providing raw materials to strengthen the market for Nepali Pashmina further. Policy-level improvements are needed, and the government is actively working on this," he stated.

Minister Bhandari stressed the need to revitalise Nepal's stagnant industry, revealing that the government has initiated reforms to laws that have hindered the industry, commerce, and export sectors. He added that policy-level arrangements and a separate fund are being established to encourage small and medium-scale entrepreneurs.

"The government is serious about increasing Nepal's trade and export. It is necessary to adopt a strategy to expand the market for Nepali products to achieve economic growth and to launch a national campaign to promote the use of domestic products," said the Minister.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal underscored the need for collaboration between the government and the private sector to market Nepali products both domestically and internationally, stressing that there should be no compromise on quality. He pledged that the FNCCI would support and collaborate in promoting Nepali products.

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) President Rajesh Agrawal, Trade and Export Promotion Centre Executive Director Sharad Bikram Rana, and NPIA President Dhan Prasad Lamichhane also highlighted the importance of addressing issues in Pashmina export and trade expansion.