KCCI delegation meets Union Textiles Minister

Srinagar, July 30

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry has proposed to conduct market study tours to Europe/ Middle East/USA and other countries, to promote exports of handicrafts and other sectors.

A KCCI delegation led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga held a meeting with Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday, a statement by the body said.

“KCCI sought the intervention of the minister for promotion of handicraft and artisan products, the participation of reverse buyer seller meets (RBSM) events organised by various export promotion councils in India and abroad,” it said. “The importance of the handicraft sector involving the livelihood of tens of thousands of artisans and weavers was presented to him,” the statement said.

It said the delegation discussed about the long pending inauguration of pre-export Pashmina DNA Testing Lab at SKUAST Srinagar. “The KCCI demanded that the said lab be accredited with NABL and Wildlife Department at Srinagar/ Delhi where over 95% Pashmina is produced. Also, the certification done at the lab should be made mandatory for customs to accept for clearance of export consignment to avoid seizure and delay in exports,” the statement said.

The trade body said the North belt of Kashmir region being involved in production of renowned handmade silk carpets and being a weaver inhabited area may be declared as a carpet village.

The KCCI said textile minister appreciated the concern expressed by KCCI about the handicrafts and the weaver/artisan community. “He gave a positive response to the suggestions raised by the KCCI and assured that the issues will be resolved soon,” it said.