SRINAGAR, November 13: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), describing it as a “timely and transformative intervention” that could revive Jammu and Kashmir’s struggling export sectors, particularly handicrafts, horticulture, and MSMEs.
In a statement issued on Thursday, KCC&I said the initiative—approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—marks a major policy shift toward a unified, technology-driven export framework. The Mission, with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, will be implemented through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on a digital platform covering processes from application to disbursal.
The Chamber welcomed the Mission’s twin components, Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha, which together offer financial and non-financial enablers such as affordable trade finance, interest subvention, export branding, logistics support, quality compliance assistance, and participation in international trade fairs. It also appreciated the consolidation of the Interest Equalisation Scheme and Market Access Initiative into a single adaptive mechanism aligned with the government’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
Terming the initiative “a much-needed boost for J&K’s export ecosystem,” the Chamber noted that the region’s export sectors have faced severe setbacks in recent years, including a ₹733 crore decline in handicrafts exports during 2023–24, shrinking global visibility, reduced participation in trade fairs, and rising logistical costs. The new Mission, it said, directly addresses these pain points by providing an integrated support structure to restore confidence among artisans, growers, MSMEs, and first-time exporters.
KCC&I expressed optimism that the EPM will help rejuvenate Jammu and Kashmir’s labour-intensive traditional crafts—carpets, shawls, papier-mâché, and walnut woodwork—and bolster horticulture exports by improving branding and packaging to meet international standards.
The Chamber also lauded the recently approved Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, noting that collateral-free credit will enable small and medium enterprises in J&K to scale operations, fulfil large export orders, and enter new global markets without financial strain.
Reaffirming its goal to double the region’s export volume within the next three years, KCC&I said the approval of the EPM has “revived optimism” across the business community. The Chamber pledged to work closely with DGFT, financial institutions, and government bodies to ensure the Mission’s benefits reach artisans, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs across the Valley.
