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

The primary objective of the event was to facilitate 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 budding entrepreneurs/artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for a buyer-seller meet.

The event was attended by more than 30 exhibitors, more than 20 overseas trade visitors, and more than 10 domestic visitors. Director of Industries and Commerce, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh, gave the welcome speech and thanked all the buyers on behalf of the UT administration for attending the event in subzero temperatures and the members of HEPC for conducting the conclave.

He also put forward his suggestions 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 some of the finest pashmina in the world and noted that the pashmina fibre averages 12-15 microns.

He informed the entrepreneurs that there is no blending involved in Ladakhi pashmina and it's all of pure variety. He further added that the entire process is handmade, with no utilisation of machinery at all, which is a hallmark of Ladakhi pashmina.

Additionally, Nawang Phuntsog, a local entrepreneur from Ladakh, thanked all the domestic and international buyers for engaging in the conclave. He stressed that Ladakhi pashmina is sustainable, eco-friendly, and manually made.

He added that previously they used to sell it to the Kashmiris with little to no benefits, but under the current administration, they have received better opportunities and could set up stores around India.

At the end of the conclave, experiences, suggestions, and ideas from domestic and international entrepreneurs were shared. These included individuals from Europe, the UK, Chile, Vietnam, Mauritius, Taiwan, Germany, and Nigeria, as well as some local entrepreneurs from Ladakh.

The buyers suggested that Ladakh pashmina should have certification so that international market buyers can know its authenticity, and they also praised the artisans for keeping it handmade and having no carbon footprint.

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

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