In the Kashmir Valley, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitated the recipients of the Pashmina Exporters Manufacturers Association Awards at Srinagar on Friday. In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the award winners on receiving the prestigious award and commended the Pashmina Exporters Manufacturers Association for its immense contribution in promotion of Pashmina products.<br />''<br />''Mr Sinha reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration for the revival of the Pashmina industry. He said Pashmina is an expression of our cultural heritage and also contributes in J&K's economy and empowers a large section of weavers and artisans. He said Kashmir is known as the Pashmina Capital of the world due to its traditional expertise in producing high-quality Pashmina products. He said the boom in the tourism sector and the successful conduct of the G-20 Summit has increased the demand of J&K's handicraft and handloom products.<br />''<br />''He said that his Administration is extending necessary support and assistance to the artisans in terms of infrastructure, technology, capacity building and finances for the growth of this sector.<br />''<br />''The Lieutenant Governor said the centre has granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to pashmina products and maintained that this legal recognition helps protect the authenticity of pashmina items and ensures only products made in specific regions, like Kashmir, can bear the name "pashmina to discourage imitation products and counterfeits. He said efforts are also being made to conserve and improve the population of Changthangi goats, which are the source of pashmina wool.<br />