Over 40 national, international buyers join JKTPO’s SKUAST Kashmir buyer-seller event

Omar calls for sustained global partnerships to take J&K products to world markets

SRINAGAR, SEPT 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for sustained business partnerships between Jammu & Kashmir producers and buyers from India and abroad, saying buyer-seller meets should result in long-term commercial relationships rather than one-off transactions.

Addressing the inaugural day of the two-day Jammu & Kashmir International Buyer-Seller Meet organised by the J&K Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) in collaboration with the Trade Promotion Council of India at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Omar said the government was taking measures to make investment, trade and industry easier in the Union Territory.

He referred to the passage of the Ease of Doing Business legislation in the Legislative Assembly earlier in the day, saying the measure seeks to reduce unnecessary permissions, delays and excessive inspections faced by businesses.

“We have brought a law in the form of Ease of Doing Business, in which we have tried to put a stop to all these things,” he said.

The Chief Minister said applications would have to be dealt with within prescribed timeframes and, wherever applicable, deemed approval would follow if action was not taken within the stipulated period.

“We have reduced the number of inspections,” he said, adding that the government wanted to ensure that people establishing industries, educational institutions and other enterprises were not discouraged by cumbersome procedures.

Decriminalisation of minor violations

Omar also highlighted measures aimed at decriminalising certain minor violations and mistakes, saying not every lapse should result in criminal proceedings.

“Today, we have also tried to decriminalise some ordinary mistakes, so that people don’t have to go to the courts for no reason. This will reduce the pressure in the courts,” he said.

He said the measures were part of the government’s broader effort to create conditions conducive to trade, commerce, manufacturing and investment.

“On one hand, we organise buyer-seller meetings. It is a good thing. But on the other hand, if we don’t make your work easier, then there is no point in these buyer-seller meetings if we tie one hand behind your back,” he said.

Focus on authentic Kashmir products

The Chief Minister also stressed the need to protect the distinct identity and authenticity of Jammu & Kashmir products, particularly traditional handicrafts.

He said the government was working to strengthen Geographical Indication (GI) protection and ensure that products sold in the name of Kashmir genuinely reflected the skills and craftsmanship of local producers.

“Our Pashmina, our embroidery, the magic in the hands of our people, we are trying to sell it to the world in the name of Kashmir Shawl,” he said.

He identified shawls, carpets, Namda, walnut, wool and papier-mâché among the products requiring sustained promotion and protection.

“If something is sold in the name of Kashmir, it should be made in the hands of the people of Kashmir. And it should benefit the people of Kashmir,” he said.

Buyers urged to build long-term relationships

Omar said the buyer-seller meet should serve as a starting point for sustained commercial engagement.

“We don’t want this buyer-seller meet to be a one-off. We want to see relationships built from here,” he said.

He noted that buyers had travelled to Jammu & Kashmir from different parts of India as well as North America, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

“It will be a matter of great disappointment if we approach this buyer-seller meet as a simple one-off, that I’ll do one deal and that will be the end of the story,” he said.

He urged buyers to identify products that they could take back and market in their respective regions and build continuing business relationships with local producers.

Over 120 buyers and exhibitors participate

The event has brought together more than 25 international buyers, over 15 national buyers and more than 80 exhibitors and sellers, with participation from over 12 countries.

More than 200 handicraft, handloom and agro-food products are being showcased during the two-day event.

The Chief Minister highlighted the craftsmanship of local artisans, saying their skills enable them to transform simple raw materials into intricate and high-value products.

“It is our craftsmen and craftswomen who can convert a simple piece of thread into a beautiful piece of embroidery,” he said, referring to the workmanship found in Kashmiri carpets and other traditional crafts.

He also appreciated the participation of women from rural areas associated with self-help groups, saying they had come together under difficult circumstances and were producing a range of handicrafts and other products.

He encouraged visiting buyers to engage with these groups and explore opportunities for sustained commercial partnerships.

Initiative dates back to earlier tenure

Omar recalled that the process of organising such buyer-seller interactions had begun during his earlier tenure as Minister for Commerce and Industries and appreciated the Industries and Commerce Department for carrying the initiative forward.

He also invited visitors from outside Jammu & Kashmir to explore the Valley beyond the business event.

“Every season in Kashmir is beautiful. Autumn has its own charm,” he said, inviting visiting buyers and delegates to travel around the Valley.

The Chief Minister sought suggestions from participants on how future buyer-seller meets could be improved and expressed hope that both buyers and sellers would conclude the event satisfied with the opportunities created.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Vikramjit Singh, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Managing Director JKTPO Sudharshan Kumar, heads of various departments, university faculty and staff, students, delegates, buyers, sellers and other officials were present.

Later, Omar inspected stalls set up by entrepreneurs showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s handicrafts, handloom and agro-food products and interacted with exhibitors.