KCCI flags export decline, seeks DGFT support to revive Kashmir’s trade ecosystem
Srinagar, Feb 18: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday held a detailed meeting in New Delhi with Lokesh HD, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, and Satya Raja, Joint DGFT, to deliberate on key export-related issues affecting the Kashmir region and explore measures to strengthen the export ecosystem.
The KCCI delegation was represented by Executive Committee Members Muzaffar Majid Jan and Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, who presented a comprehensive review of the pre- and post-pandemic export scenario.
A statement issued here said that the delegation informed the DGFT leadership that exports from the region declined during the last fiscal year. Although the first quarter of the current financial year showed some resilience, the second quarter again witnessed a dip, highlighting the need for sustained and targeted intervention.
KCCI emphasised the necessity of enhancing international market outreach and proposed structured participation of Kashmir-based exporters in global trade fairs and exhibitions. The DGFT officials advised the Chamber to submit a detailed proposal for participation in international fairs, assuring that the same would be examined and taken up appropriately within the policy framework. The Chamber also apprised the officials that KCCI is the only authorised issuing agency for Certificates of Origin (CoO) in J&K and has already been onboarded with the DGFT online CoO platform. The delegation sought continued coordination and facilitation to further streamline export documentation and ensure ease of compliance for exporters from the region.
The horticulture sector was also discussed at length, particularly in the context of the MIP mechanism. KCCI highlighted the critical role of horticulture in the regional economy and stressed the need for export-oriented support under MIP to enhance competitiveness and stabilise returns for growers and exporters.
The DGFT leadership assured the delegation that the issues raised, including proposals relating to international fair participation and horticulture MIP support, would be examined sympathetically. KCCI reiterated its commitment to working closely with the DGFT to revive export growth, strengthen traditional sectors, and create sustainable opportunities for the business community of the region.
