New Delhi | The Kashmir Chapter of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) made a strong case for economic revival and business reform at the CAIT National Governing Council Meeting held at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi.
Represented by President Farhan Kitab and General Secretary Peer Imtiaz, CAIT Kashmir unveiled a policy-focused paper titled “Kashmir Business Outlook 2025–26: Where Opportunity Meets Reality.” The document offered a holistic view of the business environment in Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting both emerging growth trends and persistent on-ground challenges.
“Jammu & Kashmir is not just recovering—it is repositioning itself. This is a region where promise meets persistence, and opportunity walks hand in hand with complexity,” said Farhan Kitab, while addressing trade leaders from across the country.
Key Recommendations Proposed by CAIT Kashmir:
1. Financial Relief & Liquidity Support
• 24-Month Loan Repayment Support with interest subvention and principal deferment to ease trader cash flows.
• Working Capital Grants for small retailers, artisans, and food businesses.
• One-Time NPA Restructuring to protect distressed MSMEs from punitive classifications.
2. Infrastructure & Logistics Development
• Expansion of cold storage capacity to cover 50% of post-harvest horticulture produce.
• Transport subsidy for goods exported outside J&K.
3. Digital & Skill Empowerment
• Provision of digital trade toolkits (POS, UPI, billing software) with GST and e-commerce training.
• Launch of retail skilling programs targeting youth and shop employees in packaging, logistics, and digital trade.
4. Regulatory Ease & Tax Simplification
• Implementation of a single-window clearance system for trade approvals.
• Time-bound license renewals and streamlined inspections.
• Targeted GST rebates for new local manufacturers and retailers.
5. Sector-Specific Interventions
• Retail Sector: Interest-free credit lines and creation of zone-based retail clusters.
• Handicrafts: GI tagging, warehousing support, and product certification assistance.
• Horticulture: Cold chain incentives, crop insurance, and packaging hubs.
6. Market Expansion & Trade Promotion
• Launch of a statewide “Buy Local, Buy Kashmiri” campaign.
• Organization of national buyer-seller meets in Srinagar to boost exposure for local producers.
7. Institutional Support Mechanisms
• Formation of District-Level Revival Committees, led by Deputy Commissioners and trade representatives.
• Establishment of a 24×7 Trade Facilitation Desk to assist MSMEs with redressal and growth support.
This presentation underscored CAIT’s long-term vision to build a resilient, self-sufficient trading ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir—grounded in inclusivity, digital readiness, and regional empowerment.
“Our traders have shown incredible resilience through years of uncertainty. A revival package is not an act of charity—it is the continuity of hope,” said Farhan Kitab.
As a next step, CAIT will launch a nationwide campaign from August 10 to promote regional trade, local manufacturing, and support for small businesses under the VocalForLocal and Aatmanirbhar Bharat banners.
Comments are closed.