Srinagar, Feb 18 (KNO): The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday held a detailed meeting in New Delhi with Lokesh HD, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, and Satya Raja, Joint DGFT, to deliberate on key export-related issues affecting the Kashmir region and to explore measures for strengthening the export ecosystem.
According to a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), during the meeting, discussions were also held regarding the implementation framework of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade serving as the nodal agency.
The KCCI delegation was represented by Executive Committee Members Muzaffar Majid Jan and Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, who presented a comprehensive review of the pre- and post-pandemic export scenario. The delegation informed the DGFT leadership that exports from the region has declined. Although the first quarter of the current financial year showed signs of resilience, the second quarter again recorded a dip, underlining the need for sustained and targeted policy support.
KCCI emphasised the importance of expanding international market outreach and proposed structured participation of Kashmir-based exporters in global trade fairs and exhibitions. The DGFT officials advised the Chamber to submit a detailed proposal for participation in international fairs and assured that the same would be examined within the existing policy framework.
The Chamber also apprised the officials that KCCI is the only authorised issuing agency for Certificates of Origin (CoO) in Jammu & Kashmir and has already been onboarded on the DGFT’s online CoO platform.
The horticulture sector was also discussed at length, particularly in the context of the MIP mechanism.
KCCI highlighted the critical role of horticulture in the regional economy and stressed the need for export-oriented support under MIP to enhance competitiveness and stabilise returns for growers and exporters.
They stated that it has firm faith that due care will be taken to safeguard the interests of the horticulture sector, which provides livelihood to lakhs of people across Jammu & Kashmir.
The DGFT leadership assured the delegation that the issues raised, including proposals relating to international fair participation, Export Promotion Mission coordination and horticulture MIP support, would be examined sympathetically. KCCI reiterated its commitment to working closely with the DGFT to revive export growth, strengthen traditional and emerging sectors, and create sustainable economic opportunities for the business community of the region—(KNO)