SRINAGAR: President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) Sheikh Ashiq has hailed the government’s decision to make Srinagar International Airport the custodian for import and export of goods from Srinagar to international destinations.
According to the KCC&I spokesperson, the President said that a wave of hope has been generated in the community as it was a long pending demand which has been finally met. He hopes that the facility will have positive impacts in the vicinity also and help in economic development and create jobs.
The president said that as the LG administration is working expeditiously, we also seek Srinagar –based direct international flights.
“As the airport is now the custodian for the warehousing of international cargo, there should be enhanced direct connectivity between Srinagar and other international airports like Jeddah and Dubai,” said Sheikh Ashiq.
According to him, earlier, the business community had to first send goods to Delhi or Mumbai and then to International destinations. But after this move and with the GI tagging of many products, if the goods can directly go to Dubai or Sharjah or any international destinations, the local economy will grow multiple folds.
However, he expressed his apprehensions as according to him, if there will be no enhanced direct connectivity, being custodian airport this exercise will be futile.
“Connectivity is the basic requirement for this cargo terminal. We need to have direct connectivity with the rest of the world,” he said.
The President has also requested Jammu and Kashmir LG, Manoj Sinha to push for the start of the Srinagar-Jeddah flight once or twice a week. It will not only help thousands of people including the Haj and Umrah pilgrims and people working there but also boost cargo through exports to that region.
Similarly, the Srinagar-Sharjah flight should be restored also at least once a week immediately.
President KCC&I also thanked Srinagar airport director Kuldeep Singh for inviting the business community to avail of this opportunity and make the world their market.
