Chamber of Commerce welcomes India-UK FTA

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom as a progressive and strategic step that would deepen bilateral economic ties, create new opportunities for Indian exports and boost the global competitiveness of traditional industries in Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement by KCCI commended the Government of India for its decision to exclude apples from the list of tariff concessions under the agreement.

This decision, KCCI said, reflects a “sensitive and informed understanding of the structural vulnerabilities of Kashmir’s horticulture sector. Apple cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir supports the livelihoods of over 3 million people and forms the backbone of the rural economy.”

“Any abrupt exposure to international competition — particularly from heavily subsidised foreign producers—could have had serious consequences for local growers,” it said.

KCCI had earlier raised this concern directly with the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal during his visit to Kashmir and had requested the “protection of the sector in ongoing trade negotiations.” The chamber is pleased that the government has taken note and acted accordingly.

KCCI has lauded the “inclusion of products such as pashmina, saffron and Kashmiri willow under the FTA’s tariff list, which is expected to ease access for these traditional goods into the UK market.”

“This development could significantly benefit artisans, growers and sports goods manufacturers in the region,” the statement said.

The chamber emphasised that the agreement presents a timely opportunity to “expand exports in sectors where Kashmir has historic and competitive strengths, particularly in handicrafts and handlooms.”