Srinagar, Mar 1: With an objective to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and an emphasis on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Jammu Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), under the aegis of the Department of Commerce & Industry, in association with the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), organized an international Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) for local agricultural & food processing sector of J&K.
Addressing the forum virtually, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta highlighted the improved scenario of law-and-order and thriving business ecosystem within J&K. Chief Secretary said that J&K is more peaceful now, digitally connected, with improving mobility infrastructure resulting in reducing logistic challenges faced by exporters. He highlighted that the rail connectivity to Srinagar would be a reality next year. He maintained that J&K is focusing on improving ease of doing business and expects to be placed within top ranking States/UTs by DPIIT. He called for more such Buyer Seller Meets in coming financial year for promotion of trade and investment and said that such meets should show concrete results in terms of business transactions.
He spoke about harnessing the immense potential of produce from Kashmir by extending market access and emphasized the world-class quality of local products and said that the craftsmanship of JK is unmatchable.
He further assured the buyers from different countries that they can seek any help they genuinely need from government of Jammu and Kashmir and become a partner in the growth story of Jammu and Kashmir.
Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Prashant Goyal, in his special address to the buyers and sellers present in the event underscored the contribution of Agriculture in the development of the economy of J&K wherein around 70% of the population residing in rural areas directly or indirectly depends on this sector for their livelihood and employability. He also highlighted the progressive, competitive & investment friendly policies of the Union Territory of J&K.
He highlighted that the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) package announced by central government is one of the best financial incentive packages offered by any State/ UT in India with a high return on investment and less input cost. In addition to the incentives offered by the New Central Sector Scheme, the investor can avail incentives offered by industrial policy & the other sectoral policies notified by the government.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri complimented the efforts of JKTPO for the BSM and emphasized on the importance of conducting more such events in near future. He also highlighted the importance of field level investments in the agriculture sector which will enhance the value of the local Agri products from J&K through processing. He also recommended for feedback from both buyers and sellers so that further improvements can be done in the industrial ecosystem of J&K.
Earlier, Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director, JKTPO gave opening remarks and welcomed the Buyers and sellers on the occasion. He said that J&K’s food and agro based products are famous across the world and urged the buyers to procure these products from authentic and genuine sellers of J&K. He revealed since J&K for its diverse agro climatic conditions is blessed with range of niche products that have great export value simultaneously.
The forum was briefed about USPs of products being displayed viz. Honey, Saffron, Basmati Rice, Walnut, Fresh fruits, processed food like juices, jams, bakery etc.
Also, JKTPO is participating and organizing in various trade fairs, exhibitions and Buyer Seller meets besides providing marketing and business opportunities to the sellers, as was given out during this event.
Deputy Director General, TPCI Sandeep Das, gave vote of thanks for the event. In his closing remarks, he said that JKTPO and other relevant departments from J&K should work on building supplying capacity of the sellers to meet the needs of buyers and get bulk orders in near future. He also suggested that sellers should work on improving quality and packaging as per the standards and parameter set by different countries.
It was said that the BSM contributed immensely towards forming new strategic partnerships and assistance in developing market linkages, business leads and networking for boosting trade and exports of J&K Agri& food Processing products.
During this event more than 500 leads were generated which are expected to be converted into potential orders. Above 120 sellers including Food processing units, entrepreneurs, FPOs from Jammu & Kashmir participated in the event.
Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, Saloni Rai was also present on the occasion along with other senior officers and functionaries of the department.
