KCCI raises J&K exporters’ concerns with Commerce Ministry, DGFT

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, August 31: President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), Javid Ahmad Tenga, held meetings with senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), seeking measures to address challenges facing exporters from Jammu & Kashmir and revive the region’s export sector.

During his meeting with Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Kapil Choudhary, Tenga highlighted the declining trend in exports from Jammu & Kashmir and raised concerns over the difficulties confronting exporters, particularly in traditional sectors.

He specifically flagged challenges affecting Pashmina, handicrafts and other traditional products, and called for focused policy interventions and greater institutional support to improve their competitiveness and expand their presence in international markets.

Tenga also apprised the Joint Secretary of KCC&I’s efforts to facilitate the participation of exporters from Jammu & Kashmir in national and international exhibitions and trade fairs. He said the Chamber had already submitted applications to the DGFT for participation in various fairs and exhibitions and requested that these be considered favourably.

He emphasised that such platforms provide exporters an opportunity to showcase Jammu & Kashmir’s handicrafts and other products, establish direct links with international buyers, explore new markets and strengthen the region’s export potential.

The KCC&I President also sought greater coordination between the Ministry of Commerce and DGFT to expand market access, promote traditional products and create new opportunities for exporters from Jammu & Kashmir.

CoO delays raised with DGFT

In a separate meeting with Abhinav Gupta, Additional Director General, DGFT, Tenga raised difficulties being faced by exporters from Jammu & Kashmir in obtaining Preferential Certificates of Origin (CoOs).

The Chamber said exporters had been facing delays in the issuance of Preferential CoOs following the India-Oman Free Trade Agreement. Since the certificates are required to avail preferential tariff benefits under trade agreements, delays can affect the movement of consignments and exporters’ ability to benefit from preferential tariffs.

Tenga requested that the DGFT Ludhiana office remain operational from October 2026 to March 2027 to handle the issuance of Preferential CoOs for Kashmir consignments, coinciding with the region’s peak export season.

According to the Chamber, the Additional Director General assured Tenga that the DGFT Ludhiana office would remain operational during the period to facilitate issuance of Preferential CoOs for Kashmir consignments.

The KCC&I said the assurance was expected to provide relief to exporters, particularly during the peak season when shipment volumes increase.

Tenga thanked the senior officials for considering the Chamber’s concerns and said KCC&I would continue engaging with the concerned authorities to seek measures to strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s exports, support traditional sectors such as Pashmina and handicrafts, facilitate participation in trade fairs and improve access to domestic and international markets.