Kathmandu: Nepal’s ready-made garment sector is set to take a major leap forward through a new collaboration with the globally renowned The Woolmark Company of Australia, aiming to produce high-quality apparel for international markets. The partnership was announced at an event held in Kathmandu on Sunday evening, organized in coordination with the Garment Association of Nepal, focusing on “Wool Insights and Innovations” as a pathway to global competitiveness.
Industry leaders say the collaboration could significantly expand Nepal’s presence in the global apparel market. Association President Pashupati Dev Pandey noted that by working with Woolmark, Nepali manufacturers will be able to produce premium garments using high-quality imported wool, adding value domestically and meeting strong international demand. The initiative follows a six-month market study that led Woolmark to partner with Nepali producers.
The project will focus on developing fine wool products such as blazers and trousers made from merino wool, creating new business opportunities and positioning Nepal in the high-end segment of the apparel industry. Woolmark’s Nepal Country Manager, Ajay Pradhan, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting that the company already collaborates with around 900 global partners and sees Nepal as a promising destination for building a world-class brand.
Australia, the world’s leading wool producer, generates around 300 million kilograms of wool annually from 22 million sheep, supported by roughly 60,000 farmers. Nearly all of this production is exported, with China being the largest buyer. Woolmark-branded products, made from premium raw wool, are widely regarded as luxury items in global markets.
The collaboration is expected to involve member industries of the Nepali garment association and help transition the sector toward high-value wool-based production. Stakeholders—including industrialists, designers, and policymakers—participated in the event, which also emphasized knowledge exchange in technology, design, and global market trends.
Organizers believe this initiative will play a crucial role in strengthening Nepal’s “Made in Nepal” brand in the international arena, especially by expanding the currently limited fine wool segment. Woolmark has been actively growing its footprint across South Asia, including in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, where it supports industry development, research, and market promotion.
With over five decades of presence in India alone, Woolmark has contributed significantly to the textile sector by partnering across the supply chain—from early-stage processors to global retailers—while investing in education, research, and the promotion of merino wool. India remains one of the top importers and processors of Australian wool, with more than 100 supply chain partners engaged across the industry.
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