PHDCCI Kashmir pitches GI certification, design labs to boost J&K textile exports

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, May 16: The Kashmir chapter of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) on Friday submitted a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening Jammu & Kashmir’s textile and handicraft exports during a two-day consultative workshop held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre.

The workshop, themed “Textiles for Global Markets: Strategy for Achieving USD 100 Billion Exports by 2030,” was organised by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles.

Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, attended the event and held detailed deliberations with stakeholders on export promotion, market access, and strategies to enhance Jammu & Kashmir’s presence in international textile markets.

Addressing the gathering, Singh underlined the importance of focused efforts in branding, quality enhancement, and export competitiveness to fully realise the region’s handicrafts and handloom potential.

Representing PHDCCI Kashmir, Chairman Vicky Shaw presented a set of proposals aimed at positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a major contributor to the global textile economy.

Among the key recommendations was the introduction of Geographical Indication (GI) certification mechanisms to curb counterfeit and imitation products and safeguard the authenticity of the region’s traditional crafts.

The chamber also called for the establishment of dedicated design laboratories to help adapt local textile products to international consumer preferences and country-specific market demands.

PHDCCI further stressed the need for skill development programmes and export compliance training to help artisans and exporters meet international quality and safety standards. It also proposed the creation of a one-stop support system for export documentation and procedural assistance to simplify processes for artisans and small-scale exporters.

Participants at the workshop said the consultations could help strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s export ecosystem and improve the integration of the region’s handicrafts and textile products into global value chains.