Dy CM inaugurates PHDCCI workshop on Intellectual Property Rights, trade, business promotion

JAMMU: Emphasising government’s commitment to catalyse the industrial ecosystem, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, said that numerous interventions and policies are being implemented towards industrial growth of Jammu and Kashmir as one of the priorities of the present administration.

He was speaking after inaugurating a two day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Trade and Business Promotion in Jammu organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with the Office of Development Commissioner MSME, Union Ministry for MSME here today.

The event, moderated by Kanchan Zutshi, Director, PHDCCI, aimed to enhance awareness and foster strategies for IPR, trade, and business promotion in Jammu & Kashmir.
The event was attended by MLA Khansahib, Saifuddin Bhat, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, Director Industries and Commerce, Jammu, Dr Arun Manhas, Prominent Industrialists, office bearers of PHDCCI and senior officers.

While highlighting the global significance of intellectual property rights with examples such as Apple, KFC and McDonald’s, the Deputy Chief Minister said that robust IP strategies drive worldwide success. He commended the local entrepreneurs, including lavender farmers and Basmati rice producers, for their efforts in brand registration.
Regarding the industrial growth and employment, the Deputy CM said that the government is well aware of the potential of industrial sector in boosting the local economy industrial creating job avenues for the youth. He assured that his administration would enforce policies to prioritise local hiring and bolster support for indigenous businesses.

MLA Khansahib highlighted the need for promoting local entrepreneurs. He said that the same would go a long way in ensuring the youth get attracted to setting up their own units and ensuring the creation of jobs locally.

Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, outlined the government policies designed to spur industrial development, describing IPR as a vital tool for economic progress. He encouraged the businesses to invest in innovation and brand protection to unlock sustainable value.

Director, Industries & Commerce, while speaking on the occasion, underscored the need for IPR awareness among the local enterprises, noting its potential to drive sustainable industrial growth. He urged the entrepreneurs to take advantage of the government schemes for patenting and trademark registration.

Chairman PHDCCI Jammu Chapter, Rakesh Wazir, delivered the opening address, emphasising the pivotal role of branding, innovation and IP protection in enhancing the competitiveness of businesses in the region. He reiterated PHDCCI’s commitment towards empowering entrepreneurs and creating a thriving business ecosystem through effective IPR strategies, urging the participants to secure their intellectual property for long-term success.

The National IP Yatra Programme, through this workshop, has laid the groundwork for heightened IPR awareness, policy reforms and proactive measures to strengthen the intellectual property framework in Jammu & Kashmir.