KCCI team meets Union Minister Piyush Goyal, seeks export boost, local industry support

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar: A high-level delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) met Union Minister of Industry and Commerce, Piyush Goyal, at SKICC Srinagar on Sunday to present a detailed memorandum on Kashmir’s economic challenges, with a particular focus on boosting exports and addressing unemployment.

The delegation, led by KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga, included Senior Vice President Ashaq Hussain Shangloo, Junior Vice President Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Joint Secretary General Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal, Executive Committee members Muzaffar Majid, Mohammad Lateef Bhat, Mubashir Shaw, and Sameer Ahsan from the IT sector.

During the meeting, the KCCI raised concerns about rising unemployment and underutilised export potential in Jammu and Kashmir. Key proposals included:

• Allocation of warehousing space for Kashmiri exporters at Bharat Mart in Dubai

• Inclusion of J&K in national export promotion frameworks and market access initiatives

• Reduction of GST on shawls and handicrafts from 12% to 5%

• Removal of the Rs 438 cap under the RoSCTL scheme

• Setting up of a Pashmina testing lab in Srinagar

• Reintroduction of 3% interest subvention for small exporters

• Establishment of an Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Kashmir

• A new industrial policy with 25% reservation for local entrepreneurs

• Protection of Kashmir’s horticulture sector through minimum import price floors

• Enhanced promotion and participation of Kashmir’s IT sector in international trade events

• Acceleration of Srinagar Airport’s expansion and cargo handling

• Development of tourism infrastructure in emerging destinations like Gurez, Bangus, and Doodhpathri

Minister Goyal assured the delegation that warehousing space at Bharat Mart Dubai and upcoming hubs in Europe would be made available to Kashmiri exporters at concessional rates. He also called for increased participation of KCCI in global trade fairs and emphasised support for Kashmir’s IT sector.

Responding to the memorandum, the Minister promised a follow-up review meeting to address the specific demands and proposals submitted by the Chamber.

Speaking after the meeting, KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga thanked the Union Minister for his continued engagement and said, “The issues we raised today are vital to unlocking the economic potential of our region. We appreciate the Minister’s responsiveness and look forward to concrete actions in the coming weeks.”