Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 11: In anticipation of the Budget announcement, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) presented a comprehensive roadmap to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with the intent to rejuvenate businesses in J&K and boost employment prospects.
A delegation from the trade body, led by senior vice president Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, secretary general Faiz Bakshi, and former president Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, participated in a pre-budget consultation meeting with the Chief Minister.
The KCCI’s recommendations detailed actionable strategies aimed at resolving long-standing economic issues in J&K, focusing on both traditional sectors and emerging industries.
“The roadmap provides solutions to improve industrial productivity, support local businesses, and foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation,” it stated.
Before the meeting with the Chief Minister, Shangloo engaged in extensive discussions with high-ranking government officials, including the Commissioner Secretary of Industries and Commerce, DG Codes Finance Department, DG Budget, and GeM Coordinator J&K.
“These discussions centered on budget-related policies and aligning financial resources to bolster industrial expansion and business development,” the Chamber noted.
They stressed the crucial role of environmental sustainability, pinpointing significant areas such as wetland conservation, playground development, and tourism enhancement.
“In-depth discussions also addressed sustainable practices in agriculture and horticulture, highlighting the necessity for innovative methods that prioritize ecological preservation.”
The KCCI’s submission outlined essential priorities for the economic renewal of J&K, focusing on job creation, promoting the private sector, and skills development.
Their proposals included reviving the handicrafts sector by offering export incentives and establishing an International Exhibition Mart; enhancing tourism through infrastructural advancements, eco-tourism initiatives, and global marketing; and improving agriculture with horticulture growth, cold storage solutions, and organic production.
Moreover, the trade body advocated for revitalizing industries through policy reforms, streamlined processes, and the resuscitation of non-performing units.
The KCCI underscored the need for relief and amnesty schemes for NPAs while calling for sector-specific growth in agriculture, services, industry, tourism, trade, and finance supported by stable policies, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and enhanced digital infrastructure.
