HONG KONG, Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire-Asia/ — Today marks the launch of CASHMERE WORLD, the only trade fair dedicated exclusively to the whole supply chain of the global cashmere industry. It is the first-ever event jointly organised by the CFNA (China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products) and UBM, the leading international trade fair organiser in Asia.

Commenting on China’s role in the global cashmere industry, CFNA’s vice president Mr. Yang Shengjun said: “China is the logical venue for CASHMERE WORLD, since the country produces over 75% of the world’s cashmere raw material and over 90% of all raw material is pre-treated in China. Some regions, including Inner Mongolia, boast the most ideal climatic conditions to produce the absolute finest, high-quality cashmere. Moreover, three-quarters of the world’s cashmere products are finished in China.”

CASHMERE WORLD is designed to promote the sustainable development of the global cashmere industry – though brand building, fashion design and technology innovation – and as a platform for professionals to consolidate their position, plan ahead, and ride the up-swing in demand for high-end luxury products across all major world markets. It is timely as many reports predicted continued rapid growth in the luxury sector in the next coming years.

“This is the start of an important 3 days for development of the global cashmere industry,” noted Mr. Michael Duck, Senior Vice President of UBM Asia. “It is here, in Beijing, that cashmere experts from around the world have come to meet and address critical issues that will set the tone for future developments. ”

Cashmere World 2010 Highlights:

Many of the industry’s leading companies are exhibiting at CASHMERE WORLD, including Erdos, Snow-Lotus, Viction, Dagenlai, Ningxia St.Edenweiss, ZhongYin, Springair, Sunnic, Dongda, Yuanlin, Shuanghe, Xuerun, Interterk, Huntsman and more. Some of manufacturers representing Tongxiang and Qinghe, areas in China renown for the production of Cashmere finished products are taking part.

The exhibition is enriched by a host of fringe programmes. This afternoon, Dr. KC Ho, Director of Research & Development at the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) will hold a Technology Workshop on Cashmere Knitwear Manufacturing.

On Day 2 of the fair, the Cashmere Quality Forum (morning) and the Sustainability Conference (afternoon) will be held, both supported by important industry associations and leading companies including Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Huntsman Textile Effects and Intertek.

WRAP, which has provided social responsibility training and certification services to textile & apparel industries for over a decade, is “delighted to support Cashmere World for the greater future of the cashmere industry”, said WRAP Senior Vice President Mr. Francis Yuk, who is moderating the Forum where panellists from around the world will debate the need for global cashmere quality standards and address both commercial and technical issues. He believes the Forum will help the industry achieve a unified approach to cashmere quality analysis, cashmere manufacturing and quality improvement across the supply chain.

Meanwhile the Sustainability Conference aims to promote the productive and sustainable long-term growth of the cashmere industry. Seven conference speakers will offer a multi-faceted perspective on the issue by addressing sustainable fashion, sustainable cashmere and sustainable businesses.

Another major feature of the fair will be the launch of Cashmere World Colours, developed in collaboration with Paris-basedOliver Guillemin, General Secretary of Intercolour and creative consultant to many well-respected international brands includingLouis Vuitton, Swarovski, Woolmark, Shiseido and Thierry Mugler. Located in Hall 1, Cashmere World Colours features 9 trend directions created exclusively for cashmere as well as materials provided by the leading Chinese cashmere brand, Snow Lotus.

Special Announcement: A New Cashmere Grading System by CFNA

CFNA is taking the occasion of CASHMERE WORLD to introduce a new cashmere grading system. The goal of the “Technical Requirements for Grade Classification of Cashmere Products” issued by the Ministry of Commerce is to increase transparency, credibility of the cashmere end market, protect and cultivate value and upgrade cashmere for the end consumer.

Mr. Yang said: “We took the responsibility of compiling a common industrial standard for cashmere. The purpose is to classify the cashmere into 5 grades according to the technical indexes such as fibre length and diameter. We will release the detailed content of this new Grading System at the Cashmere Quality Forum, and listen to feedback.”

Cashmere World 2010 is taking place 23 – 25 November at the China National Convention Centre, Beijing.