DH NEWS SERVICE
srinagar, Jul 6
A delegation from The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, met Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, at SKICC today and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting key economic issues and sector-specific demands aimed at revitalising the business and export ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation, which included Senior Vice President Ashaq Hussain Shangloo, Junior Vice President Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Joint Secretary General Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal, and Executive Committee members Muzaffar Majid, Mohammad Lateef Bhat, Mubashir Shaw, and Sameer Ahsan from the IT sector, raised serious concerns over rising unemployment in the region. Emphasising the urgent need for job creation, the Chamber underscored the importance of promoting exports, empowering artisan-led industries, and expanding opportunities in the IT and electronics sectors.
Among the key issues highlighted were the need for exclusive warehousing space for Kashmiri exporters in Bharat Mart, Dubai, and upcoming hubs in Europe; inclusion of Jammu and Kashmir in national export promotion frameworks; and the declaration of J&K as a focus region under the Export Promotion Mission and Market Access Initiative. The Chamber also demanded the reduction of GST on shawls and handicrafts from 12% to 5%, removal of the Rs 438 cap under the RoSCTL scheme, and the establishment of a Pashmina testing laboratory in Srinagar to ensure international quality compliance.
The memorandum further called for the reintroduction of the 3% interest subvention scheme for small and artisan-led exporters, establishment of an Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Kashmir to streamline export logistics, and formulation of a new industrial policy with 25% reservation for local entrepreneurs. The delegation stressed the need to protect Kashmir’s horticulture sector in international trade agreements by retaining import duties and introducing a minimum import price of Rs 90 per kg on apples, walnuts, and almonds. Promotion of the IT sector through participation in international trade fairs and inclusion in official delegations was also strongly recommended, along with the urgent upgradation of Srinagar Airport to improve cargo handling and support tourism. Development of high-potential but underexplored tourist destinations like Gurez, Bangus, Doodhpathri, and Tosamaidan was also discussed as a strategy to boost local employment and sustainable growth.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal responded positively to the Chamber’s concerns and assured the delegation that space would be made available to Kashmiri exporters at highly concessional rates in Bharat Mart and other international warehousing facilities. He directed concerned officials to ensure meaningful participation of KCCI in upcoming international trade fairs and highlighted the government’s focus on supporting the IT sector in Kashmir as a key engine of future economic growth. He also assured that a follow-up meeting would soon be held to review the progress on the issues raised.
KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga thanked the Union Minister for his continued engagement with the business community of Kashmir and appreciated his responsiveness and commitment during previous interactions in New Delhi as well.
