ITC Will Be Launching a Project Next Week to Boost Pashmina Exports of SMEs in Nepal

The International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, under the supervision of Nepal’s Ministry of Commerce and Supplies will be launching a project next week to boost Pashmina exports of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nepal.

The project titled Pashmina Enhancement and Trade Support (PETS) has been developed under the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) for least developed countries (LDCs), which has given US$ 1.8 million financial assistance to the project, while the Government of Nepal has contributed $0.2 million in kind.

The major aim of the three-year project is to enhance the capacity of the people engaged in production and marketing of Chyangara Pashmina, by focusing on quality improvement and promotion of products in various global markets.

In 2013, Nepal’s Pashmina exports earned Np Rs. 2.17 billion, as per the data from the Trade and Export Promotion Centre. Nepali Pashmina was mainly exported to France, Germany, the UK and the US.

ITC’s Executive Director Arancha González, who will be visiting Nepal for launching the project, said there is tremendous opportunity for Nepal to export textiles, handicrafts and other products, including within the region.

According to her, there is great potential for SMEs to sell their goods and services across borders both within the region and beyond. However, there is a need to look at improving production processes, including design, packaging, branding and marketing—an area in which the ITC has expertise to share with the private sector, she said in a statement.

“The availability of rich natural resources and human resources to produce goods that are unique to the region for export worldwide offers good prospects for commerce. We can help make this happen by building capacity and providing assistance in trade facilitation,” Ms. González said.