Srinagar, Sep 13: Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today organized a seminar ‘Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling—An imperative for Indian Economy’ here today.
 The seminar was inaugurated by N.N. Vohra, Governor, Jammu & Kashmir who was the chief guest on the occasion. 
 Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Minister IT, Science and Technology, gave the key note address at the seminar.
 The key focus of the seminar was on the local industries viz. shawl making and carpet weaving.
 The seminar also highlighted problems being faced by saffron traders due to counterfeiting. It was revealed at the seminar that traders in walnut and willow wood furniture are facing threats from counterfeiters who pass cheap wood products as genuine.
 Abdul Hamid Punjabi, President, KCCI in his address highlighted the problems being faced by the Kashmiri handicraft artisans and dealers.
 “We are the worst sufferers of counterfeit products. Our age old handicraft industry has been ruined by fake articles being sold under Kashmir-made label,” Punjabi said.
 “Kashmir handicrafts has become worst victim of counterfeiting and we sought the support of FICCI- Committee against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE),” Punjabi added 
 Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI-CASCADE, giving global and the country-specific facts and figures vis-à-vis counterfeiting, said the magnitude of the problem is very serious.
 He put forth several suggestions to deal with this problem, which include bringing down to a reasonable level the prices of branded products.
 He also spoke about the aims and objects of the FICCI-CASCADE and its future Action Plan.
 Chand emphasised that an increase in excise and VAT rates will not curtail consumption of tobacco, liquor, high end fashion and luxury products, instead will lead to an increase in the smuggling and counterfeit products therefore causing heavy losses to the exchequer.
 “This also gives rise to anti-social elements in society creating a major security threat to the nation,” Chand opined.           
 Abdul Ghani Mir, IG Crime said: ”Non-cooperation among different government agencies and too many laws are creating problems in tackling counterfeiting, smugglings and other crimes.”
 Shujat Bukhari, journalist said that media highlights issue and unearths scams, but government does not take any cognizance of these reports.
 “Branch of Indian Information Ministry, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity creates awareness among consumers. But unfortunately in Kashmir only blue eyed newspapers with  minimum circulation are getting DAVP ads which renders the function of this directorate dysfunctional in Kashmir,” he said. 

Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST