Leh, Mar 26, 2024: Directorate of Industries and Commerce in collaboration with Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) organised an international conclave for Ladakhi Pashmina in the presence of Executive Director, N. Shreedar on March 23 at Grand Dragon Hotel.

The primary objective of the event was to conduct an interaction between local sellers, artisans and buyers from the domestic and international markets dealing with Pashmina and other wool sectors. The conclave provided a platform for the budding entrepreneurs/artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for a buyer-seller meet.

The event was attended by more than 30 exhibitors,20+ overseas trade visitors and 10+ domestic visitors.

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Director, Industries and Commerce, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh gave the welcome speech and thanked all the buyers on behalf of UT administration for coming to the event in subzero temperature and the members of HEPC for conducting the conclave. 

He also put forward his suggestion to the buyers on how to improve the supply chain and to find ways to make the conclave more successful. He added that Ladakh supplies one the finest Pashmina in the world and added that the Pashmina fiber averages 12-15 microns. He informed the entrepreneurs that there is no blending involved in Ladakhi Pashmina and its all-pure variety. He further added that the entire process is handmade and there is no utilisation of machinery at all which is a hallmark of Ladakhi Pashmina.

Additionally, Nawang Phuntsog who is a local entrepreneur of Ladakh thanked all the domestic and international buyers for engaging in the conclave. He stressed that Ladakhi Pashmina is sustainable, eco friendly and is manually made. He added that before we used to sell it to the Kashmiris with less to no benefits but under the current administration, we got better opportunities and could set up stores around India. 

At the end of the conclave experience, suggestions and ideas by the domestic and international entrepreneurs were shared. These included individuals from Europe, UK, Chile, Vietnam, Mauritius, Taiwan, Germany and Nigeria and some local entrepreneurs from Ladakh. These buyers suggested that the Ladakh Pashmina should have a certification so that the international market buyers can know its authenticity and they also praised the artisans for keeping it handmade and having no carbon print. 

The program concluded with the launch of a booklet dedicated to the local artisans and entrepreneurs of Ladakh. Additionally both domestics and international buyers bought and placed orders with the sellers directly after the inauguration. 

The conclave consisted of a three day program with site visits on March 24 and an interactive discussion session on March 25.