Srinagar, Dec 12: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) led by President, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad , held a series of meetings with various Government Officials to uplift Trade, Commerce & Industry in Jammu & Kashmir. As a part of initiative, a seminar was organized in Srinagar. KCC&I also memorandum highlighting the issues and suggestions related to Trade, Commerce and Industry was also presented for upcoming Union Budget. A seminar organized by Directorate of General Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, and The Federation of Indian Export organization (FIEO) in association with KCC&I. President, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad speaking at a seminar titled as “District As Export Hub-Promotion Training Programme” highlighted the last five years decline in exports due to various reasons and the future roadmap for increasing the exports. He also stressed on the role of young entrepreneurs in the export sector and various benefits for earnings in foreign exchange. Further, he also appreciated the role of DGFT& FIEO. The President underscored the need for conduct of future seminars in all districts of Kashmir. The seminar was attended by JKTPO officials, Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAI) representatives, officials of Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India in Export (ECGC), Exporters, Entrepreneurs, students. At TRC hall, Srinagar, another programme titled as MULAQAAT was organized which aimed at increasing Taxpayers Awareness. The awareness campaign was organized by the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (PCIT), Srinagar. The officers of Income Tax Department and GST Department interacted with the taxpayers, business community, small traders and businessmen and members of organized trade body representative’s. “There should be increased focus on exports from Kashmir, establishment of a Carpet Village to promote the Carpet manufacturing industries of Kashmir, Tax Relief for the loss incurring tourism sector, relief for those whose GST registrations were canceled and reduction in corporate tax slab rates,” said Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President KCC&I. Apart from Awareness, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad highlighted the issues and their suggestions related to Trade, Commerce and Industry and presented memorandum for upcoming Union Budget. KCC&I also held a Pre-Budget Meeting with Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, and Jammu & Kashmir at Srinagar highlighted the issues and presented suggestions relating to rescheduling loans, tourism, handicrafts, general trade, industries, debt rehabilitation, power sector, agriculture and horticulture. KCC&I also held meeting with Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, J&K Government and Carpet Village and Export Incentives to Handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir was discussed in detail. The president appreciated the much required step taken by the Principal Secretary and Director Industries and Commerce giving 10 percent incentive to the exporters and will help facing the losses due to decline in the industry. To create avenues, schemes and policies that will help young entrepreneurs, KCC&I also held a meeting with Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir at Srinagar. The Director Industries assured full support at their end, said the president. “KCC&I will support all measures and schemes which will encourage GI patent,” the president said.
