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KCCI delegation meets Mehbooba, discuss issues related to trade at length

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Srinagar: A delegation of the The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) led by President Javed Ahmad Tenga met the Mehbooba Mufti and held deliberations regarding various issues related to trade.

Amongst other issues discussed, the focus was on the following:

Tourism:

Tenga apprised the Chief Minister of his recent visit to Turkey and his interaction with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The two chambers had detailed discussions on areas of common interest especially tourism and handicrafts. The President sought the support of the Chief Minister in hosting a delegation from the Istanbul Chamber so that these sectors receive an immediate impetus.

In addition, new prospective markets of South East Asia and participation in prestigious tourism fair of GITF China was also brought to the notice of the CM. The Guangzhou International Travel Fair –GITF – is scheduled to take place from Ist March to 3rd March, 2018 in Guangzhou, China.

It is also known as the window to the tourism industry in Asia and the chamber suggested that the Department of Tourism should participate in this prestigious fair. The domestic and foreign exhibitors also participate in this fair. Similarly, the markets of South East Asia also need similar special focus, the chamber said.

With regard to the view of targeting of domestic markets, Chief Minister was requested to lead a already announced joint delegation of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry to new domestic circuits of Hyderabad, Bangalore and other places.

The Chambers offered that their organisations were ready to bear the costs of this initiative themselves and required facilitation by the State Government in this regard. The President assured the Mehbooba that the Chambers of Jammu & Kashmir would also interact with the respective counterparts of these prospective markets to ensure that the tourism industry of the State received an immediate reviving response. The holding of one-week events in Mumbai and Gujarat were also proposed.

Mehbooba directed that the proposals be finalized with the Secretary Tourism so that they are implemented immediately. In this regard, a detailed interaction was subsequently held with the Secretary Tourism and the proposals discussed threadbare.

Banking

The President reiterated the demand for intervention by way of adjustment of interest on restructured loans funded by banks (FITL) through waiver of the entire interest coupled with the extension and restructuring of principal amount of loan till June, 2018.

Also for those borrowers who have not opted for any rehabilitation , a straight reduction of 5% in rate of interest for the period commencing from 2014 till date. Special customised schemes for new and young entrepreneurs were also discussed.

The issue of Bank loans of artisans under the artisan rehabilitation schemes in the year 2012-13 was raised. A waiver on the lines of the Kisan Credit Card was urged.

Integrated Textile Park

Tenga strongly urged for the establishment of an Integrated Textile Park in Kashmir. In the recent interaction which he had with Ajay Tamta, Minister of Textiles, Government of India, the KCC&I was assured of all support in this regard.

It was pointed out that although two textile parks had been set up in Jammu region, similar proposals were pending in Kashmir for grant of land by the State Government. Mehbooba assured the delegation that land in this regard would be identified and allotted on priority basis. The President briefed the CM about the positive impact this Park would have on the Handicraft Sector and on “Brand Kashmir”.

Master Plan

The delegation impressed upon the Chief Minister the need for cooperation of the KCC&I in the main committee formulating the Master Plan and the Zonal Plans. The President highlighted the importance of incorporation of the viewpoint of Trade, Commerce and Industry in the process of formulation of any plan and that the role of the KCC&I should not be limited to giving suggestions/objections. The contradictions in the existing land use and the proposed land use plans were also highlighted. Mehbooba assured due consideration to this request.

 

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