SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for sustained business partnerships between Jammu and Kashmir’s producers and buyers from India and abroad, saying the government was working to simplify business regulations, attract investment and expand markets for local products.
Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day Jammu and Kashmir International Buyer-Seller Meet at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), organised by the J&K Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) in collaboration with the Trade Promotion Council of India, Abdullah said such events must result in lasting commercial relationships rather than one-time transactions.
The Chief Minister said the government had taken steps to improve the business environment through legislation on Ease of Doing Business and the decriminalisation of certain minor violations.
Referring to the legislation passed by the Legislative Assembly earlier in the day, he said the measures aimed to reduce unnecessary permissions, delays and inspections faced by entrepreneurs.
The proposed changes include processing applications within prescribed timelines and providing for deemed approval in applicable cases when authorities fail to act within the stipulated period, he said.
Abdullah said the government wanted to ensure that people seeking to establish industries, educational institutions and other enterprises were not discouraged by cumbersome procedures.
He added that decriminalising certain minor violations would help businesses avoid unnecessary court proceedings and reduce the burden on the judicial system.
“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.
Emphasising the need to preserve the authenticity of Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional products, Abdullah said the government was working to strengthen Geographical Indication (GI) protection and promote products that reflect the region’s craftsmanship.
He cited Pashmina, embroidered shawls, carpets, Namda, walnut products, woollen goods and papier-mâché as products with potential for wider international markets.
“If something is sold in the name of Kashmir, it should be made in the hands of the people of Kashmir,” he said, stressing that the benefits of marketing these products should reach local artisans and producers.
The Chief Minister urged buyers to establish long-term relationships with local manufacturers, craftspeople and entrepreneurs, saying the meet should serve as a starting point for continued business engagement.
He noted that participants had travelled from different parts of India and from 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,” Abdullah said, expressing hope that buyers would identify products they could market in their respective regions.
Highlighting the skills of local artisans, he said craftspeople could transform simple materials into intricate, high-value products through their workmanship.
He also appreciated the participation of women associated with rural self-help groups, encouraging buyers to explore business opportunities with them and support their products through sustained market linkages.
The two-day 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.
Abdullah recalled that efforts to organise such buyer-seller interactions had begun during his earlier tenure as Minister for Commerce and Industries. He appreciated the Industries and Commerce Department for continuing the initiative.
He also invited visiting buyers and delegates to explore Kashmir during their stay, describing autumn as a particularly attractive season in the Valley.
The Chief Minister sought suggestions from participants on improving future editions of the meet and expressed hope that the event would create meaningful opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
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 and Commerce Vikramjit Singh, SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmed Ganai and JKTPO Managing Director Sudharshan Kumar were among those present.
Later, Abdullah inspected stalls showcasing handicrafts, handloom and agro-food products and interacted with participating entrepreneurs.
