Nepali Times: What is the difference between cashmere and pashmina, when the raw material used is the same? 
Pushpa Man Shrestha: You're right; the raw material for cashmere and pashmina is the same. But the standard we've set for pashmina is that the yarn used should be of less than 15 microns. Whereas cashmere is made with 19 micron yarn.
How can we brand the products as Nepali pashmina when all the yarn, dye and other raw materials used are imported?
Pashmina is one of the strongest Nepali brands in the international market. We were the first to market our products using that name. We're not self-sufficient in terms of raw materials but it is traditional Nepali craft which gives it its identity.
The sales of Nepali pashmina went down after fake pashmina entered the market. What is being done in response?
We've developed the trademark of 'Chyangra Pashmina', which is now registered in more than 40 countries. This will prevent duplication of Nepali pashminas and help maintain the standard of goods marketed under the trademark in the international market.
What about quality checks? 
At present, we have no lab tests in Nepal that can grant internationally recognised certification. Manufacturers have to send out samples for quality certification to verify raw materials. But we're in the process of establishing an internationally recognised testing lab here by working together with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the quality department in Nepal.
How can a customer be assured of quality?
It's hard for even an expert to evaluate the exact quality of a pashmina just by touch. But if anyone sells you a 70/30 mix of pashmina for less than Rs 1,600 and a 100% pashmina for less than Rs 2,500, you know you're being duped.
Is the industry facing any particular problems as of now?
Nepal Rastra Bank provides loans at the rate of four per cent for exporters like us. But we haven't been able to get such loans from commercial banks, to whom we have to pay a rate of 13 per cent interest.
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