SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reiterated his government’s determination to address infrastructural and policy challenges to make Jammu and Kashmir a more attractive destination for investment, manufacturing, and exports.
He was speaking during an interactive session with the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), held in Srinagar. The meeting was attended by FIEO President S.C. Ralhan, Vice President Shrikant Kapoor, DG & CEO Ajay Sahai, regional chairpersons, past presidents, and board members.
Welcoming the FIEO delegation, Omar Abdullah described the organization’s decision to hold its Board of Management meeting in Srinagar as “an important vote of confidence” in the region. “Your presence here is very reassuring for us,” he said, emphasizing J&K’s long-standing relationship with India’s trade and export community.
Outlining the government’s development agenda, the Chief Minister said efforts were underway to bridge infrastructure gaps, expand investment opportunities, and promote sectors where J&K holds a natural advantage — including agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals, IT services, and electronics.
“Recognizing the constraints that we have, we are trying to address the infrastructure gaps so that we can attract more investment and manufacturing into Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Omar Abdullah underscored that “confidence remains one of the most vital elements for business”, noting that J&K had suffered a trust deficit over the past three decades. “We are doing everything possible to ensure that this lack of confidence does not define our future,” he added.
Despite challenges, the Chief Minister said the state’s economy continues to grow steadily, projecting a GDP growth rate of 10–11% this year. However, he acknowledged that recent events had hurt tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts, leading to ripple effects on exports.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning J&K as a hub for MSMEs and high-value, low-volume industries, recalling that the region once had a thriving high-tech manufacturing base before 1989.
Highlighting competitive electricity tariffs, an educated youth population, and favourable policy frameworks as key advantages, Omar Abdullah said perception change was crucial. “Your presence here helps change the notion that J&K is unsafe for business,” he told the FIEO delegation, thanking them for their engagement and support.
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