Srinagar, Nov 13: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) welcomeed the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), calling it a timely and transformative intervention that aligns with the long-standing needs of Jammu and Kashmir’s export sectors.
KCC&I particularly welcomed this flagship initiative aimed at strengthening India’s export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs, first-time exporters and labour-intensive sectors such as handicrafts, which form a major share of Jammu and Kashmir export base.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Mission with a total outlay of ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31. It will be implemented by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade through a fully digital platform, ensuring seamless access from application to disbursal.
The Chamber also welcomes the Mission’s two integrated components, Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha, which cover financial and non-financial enablers such as affordable trade finance, interest subvention, export branding and packaging support, participation in international trade fairs, logistics and compliance assistance and quality enhancement.
KCC&I appreciates the consolidation of the Interest Equalisation Scheme and Market Access Initiative into a unified, technology-enabled export framework aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
KCC&I said the approval comes at a crucial moment for Jammu and Kashmir export sectors, which have faced deep setbacks, including a decline of ₹733 crore in handicrafts exports during 2023–24, shrinking global visibility, reduced participation in trade fairs and high logistical burdens. It said the Mission directly responds to these challenges by offering an integrated support structure that can restore confidence among artisans, growers, MSMEs and emerging first-time exporters in the region.
The Chamber expressed optimism that the Mission will help revive Jammu and Kashmir labour-intensive traditional crafts—carpets, shawls, papier-mâché, walnut woodwork—as well as horticulture exports, which require stronger branding, packaging and compliance support to expand their global footprint.
KCC&I welcomed the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, noting that collateral-free credit will enable MSMEs and first-time exporters in Jammu and Kashmir to scale operations, meet large orders and enter new markets without financial strain.
Reaffirming its vision to double Jammu and Kashmir export volume in the next three years, the Chamber said the approval of the Export Promotion Mission has renewed optimism across the business fraternity.
KCC&I concluded by stating that it will continue to work proactively with DGFT, export bodies, financial institutions and government agencies to ensure that the benefits of the Mission reach artisans, growers, manufacturers, MSMEs and first-time exporters across the Valley.
