KCCI seeks Ambassador’s support for promoting Kashmir’s handicrafts, tourism in Saudi Arabia

Srinagar, June 2: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has sought Indian Ambassador’s support for promoting Kashmir’s handicrafts, tourism in Saudi Arabia.

The issues were raised during a meeting of KCCI  members held a productive meeting with Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, at the JKTPO office today. The meeting, organized by Khalid Jahangir, the Managing Director of JKTPO, which served as a cruciap platform for discussing key matters related to marketing and promotion of handicrafts, carpets, shawls, tourism, direct air connectivity between Kashmir and Saudi Arabia, and horticulture exports.

Led by President Javed Ahmad Tenga, the KCCI team included Senior Vice President Ashaq Shangloo, Secretary General Faiz Bakshi, and EC member Lateef Ahmad Bhat.

During the interaction, the team highlighted the importance of organizing marketing promotion exhibitions, fairs, marts, and roadshows to create awareness and generate interest in Kashmir’s rich assortment of products.

They also sought the Ambassador’s assistance in facilitating buyer-seller meets, reverse buyer-seller meets, buyer-to-buyer meets, and inter-chamber consultations to provide local entrepreneurs and exporters with greater market access for Kashmiri products, which already enjoy a presence in Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries.

Recognizing the potential of Kashmir’s tourism sector, the KCCI requested the Ambassador’s support in organizing a tourism familiarization (FAM) tour from Saudi Arabia. The aim of the tour would be to showcase the unparalleled natural beauty and landscape of Kashmir, enticing tourists from Saudi Arabia to visit the region. Additionally, the KCCI raised the issue of approximately 50,000 Kashmiri pilgrims who currently have to travel indirectly to Saudi Arabia for Umrah due to the absence of direct flights from Srinagar. They sought the Ambassador’s assistance in addressing this matter at an appropriate level to provide much-needed relief to the pilgrims.

President Javed Ahmad Tenga also briefed the Ambassador about the ongoing engagement between KCCI and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing their mutual interest in investment and related matters.

Expressing appreciation for the issues raised by the KCCI, the Ambassador assured full cooperation and support from the Indian Embassy and Consulate General in promoting the interests of local businesses.

Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary General of the KCCI, released this press note highlighting the fruitful discussions held during the interaction.