SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing infrastructural bottlenecks and other constraints to make the Union Territory a more attractive destination for investment and manufacturing.
Speaking at an interactive session with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) in Srinagar, Abdullah said his administration is taking “conscious steps” to bridge infrastructure gaps and create a conducive environment for business and industry.
The meeting was attended by FIEO President S.C. Ralhan, Vice President Shrikant Kapoor, DG and CEO Ajay Sahai, regional chairpersons, past presidents, board members and other dignitaries. The session explored avenues for collaboration between the JK government and India’s export community.
Welcoming the FIEO delegation, Abdullah described the organisation’s decision to hold its Board of Management meeting in Srinagar as “an important vote of confidence” in Jammu and Kashmir. “Your presence here is very reassuring for us,” he said, noting that JK values its long-standing association with India’s trade and export sector.
Highlighting the state’s growth prospects, Abdullah said his government is focusing on sectors with natural advantages such as agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals, IT services and electronics. “We are trying to address the infrastructure gaps so that we can attract more investment and manufacturing into Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of rebuilding investor confidence, which he described as “one of the most vital elements for business.” He said that while JK has faced challenges over the past three decades, his administration is determined to ensure that the lack of confidence “does not define our future.”
Despite ongoing challenges, Abdullah noted that JK’s economy remains resilient, projecting a double-digit GDP growth rate of around 10–11 percent this year. However, he expressed concern over the economic impact of recent events, particularly on tourism, agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts and exports.
Abdullah said the government aims to make JK a hub for MSMEs and high-value, low-volume industries, recalling that the region once had a growing high-tech manufacturing base before militancy disrupted progress in the late 1980s.
Citing competitive electricity rates, an educated workforce and favourable policies as key advantages, he underlined the need to change perceptions of JK as a risky business destination.
Concluding his address, Abdullah thanked the FIEO delegation for its visit, saying, “Your presence here helps us change the perception of Jammu and Kashmir being unsafe to visit. I look forward to more such engagements that can help JK move forward.”
