Srinagar: In a meeting today at the Kashmir Emporium, A P Vicky Shaw, Chairman of the PHDCCI Kashmir, engaged with Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa. The session was hosted by Mehmood Ahmad Shah, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, and Atul Sharma, MD of Kashmir Arts Emporium. Representatives from various esteemed business organizations were also present.
According to a statement issued to Ziraat Times, the meeting focused on fostering sustainable development in the handicraft and handloom sector of Kashmir. Key proposals included establishing marketing linkages with leading designers in India to enhance market connectivity and infuse modern design elements into the textile, pashmina, and other craft sectors of Kashmir.
A standout suggestion by Amitabh Kant was organizing the Art and Craft Biennale in Kashmir. This event would provide a grand cultural platform for Kashmiri artisans to exchange scholarly and creative ideas on an international stage.
Discussions also addressed the GST slab for carpets and pashmina, emphasizing the labor-intensive nature of these crafts. A recommendation was made for a judicious tax slab of 1-5% to support industry growth. Additionally, the need for accrediting the testing lab facility for pashmina in Srinagar was highlighted to streamline certification processes and alleviate export delays.
Amitabh Kant attentively listened to the concerns raised and addressed nearly all issues during the session. The meeting environment facilitated valuable suggestions from all stakeholders.
The PHDCCI commended the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir and the Industries and Commerce Department for organizing this insightful interaction. The PHDCCI also recognized the transformative impact of GI recognition and the introduction of QR codes by the Directorate of Handicrafts in revolutionizing Kashmir’s handicraft sector.
