Ministry of Commerce and Industry
CASHMERE ACTION PLAN
November 2011
Objectives of the Cashmere Plan
3

The plan looks at actions to:
 Move
the industry up the value chain through
repatriating key parts of the value chain from
neighbouring countries
 Increase processing of raw cashmere fibres
 Enable producers to earn higher prices for raw fibres
 Create the conditions in which private sector can move
further up the value chain into the weaving of yarn
September 2011
Issues to be addressed along the
value-chain
4
TRADING
Marketing &
Branding
Knowledge &
Market Linkage
MANUFACTURING/
PROCESSING
Washing
Spinning
Weaving/
Knitting
Manufacturing Garments
& Accessories
PRODUCING
Harvesting
Scouring
De-hairing
Grading
November 2011
Production related actions
3
PRODUCING
Harvesting
Scouring
De-hairing
Grading
Some key issues
• Only 30% of Afghan cashmereproducing goats are harvested
• Producers do not know to meet
commercial grading requirements
• Buyers are unable to gain reliable
supplies of graded cashmere
Examples:
• Train producers and exporters on methods of grading raw cashmere
• Distribute information on breeding, harvesting and handling techniques,
including awareness of the pros and cons of sheering versus combing
November 2011
Manufacturing & processing related
actions
MANUFACTURING/
PROCESSING
Washing
Spinning
Weaving/
Knitting
Manufacturing Garments
& Accessories
Some key issues
• Limited processing occurs in
Afghanistan
• Limited skills in processing
and manufacturing exists
Examples:
• Encourage investment in processing by reducing the risk of investing by identifying
suitable government owned facilities that can be leased to investors
• Demonstration visits to Macau Cashmere’s operations in Heart for cashmere
farmers, traders or businessmen who are interested in moving up the value chain
• Market study into the demand for cashmere garments for fair trade or artisanal
market sector, accompanied by a feasibility study for the necessary equipment
and techniques to set up a manufacturing facility in Afghanistan
November 2011
4
Trading related actions
5
TRADING
Marketing &
Branding
Knowledge &
Market Linkage
Some key issues
• Poor marketing of Afghan cashmere
• Poor international market linkages
Examples:
• Develop a detailed plan for hosting a website on which contact information
for buyers and sellers can be posted
• Develop a strategy for expanding into niche markets (Fair Trade, Handmade
by Afghan women, Ecological Fibers)
• Develop a global marketing strategy for Afghan cashmere based on lessons
learnt from donor-funded cashmere marketing projects in other countries
November 2011