A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) led by its president Sheikh Ashiq Ahmed held an interaction with Union minister for commerce and industry, and civil aviation Suresh Prabhu his office at Udyog Bhawan in New Delhi.
According to a KCCI statement, delegation drew the attention of the minister towards the “precarious condition of the state’s economy due to the after effects of September 2014 floods, disturbances of 2016 and the subsequent economic slowdown” and urged for special multi-level interventions to negate the effect of many disadvantages – natural and situational – that commerce and industry of Jammu and Kashmir is faced with. The delegation suggested specific interventions for promotion and marketing of handicrafts, tourism, horticulture and industrial sector.
The minister was also informed about the trade, commerce and industrial conclave being organised by the KCCI and “were assured appropriate support in this regard”, according the statement.
The minister, according the statement, while assuring the delegation of full support from his ministry, also facilitated a detailed interaction of the delegation with officials of the ministry for charting out a roadmap for structured resolution of pending trade, commerce and industry related issues and formulation of policy interventions.
Among other issues relating to the industrial sector, the blockade of working capital of industrial units of Jammu & Kashmir on account of non-disbursal of GST refund was also discussed.
The minister issued on spot directions for examination and follow-up of the suggestions of KCCI and showed particular interest in the promotion of handicrafts, said the statement.