A delegation of the The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by
Mr Javed Ahmad Tenga met the Hon’ble Chief Minister Mst Mehbooba Mufti.
Amongst other issues discussed, the following were specifically focused
upon:
TOURISM:
Mr Javed Ahmed Tenga apprised the Hon’ble Chief Minister of his recent visit
to Turkey and his interaction with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The
two chambers had detailed discussions on areas of common interest
especially tourism and handicrafts. The President sought the support of the
Hon’ble Chief Minister in hosting a delegation from the Istanbul Chamber so
that these sectors receive an immediate impetus.
In addition, new prospective markets of South East Asia and participation in
prestigious tourism fair of GITF China was also brought to the kind notice of
the Hon’ble Chief Minister. The Guangzhou International Travel Fair –GITF –
is scheduled to take place from Ist March to 3 rd March, 2018 in Guangzhou,
China. It is also known as the window to the tourism industry in Asia and the
Department of Tourism should participate in this prestigious fair. The
domestic and foreign exhibitors also participate in this fair. Similarly, the
markets of South East Asia also need similar special focus.
With regard to the view of targeting of domestic markets, the Hon’ble Chief
Minister was requested to lead a already announced joint delegation of the
Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Kashmir Chamber of
Commerce and Industry to new domestic circuits of Hyderabad, Bangalore
and other places. The Chambers offered that their organisations were ready
to bear the costs of this initiative themselves and required faciliation by the
State Government in this regard. The President assured the Hon’ble Chief
Minister that the Chambers of Jammu & Kashmir would also interact with the
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respective counterparts of these prospective markets to ensure that the
tourism industry of the State received an immediate reviving response. The
holding of one-week events in Mumbai and Gujarat were also proposed.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister directed that the proposals be finalized with the
Secretary Tourism so that they are implemented immediately. In this regard,
a detailed interaction was subsequently held with the Secretary Tourism and
the proposals discussed threadbare.
BANKING
The President reiterated the demand for intervention by way of adjustment of
interest on restructured loans funded by banks (FITL) through waiver of the
entire interest coupled with the extension and restructuring of principal
amount of loan till June, 2018. Also for those borrowers who have not opted
for any rehabilitation , a straight reduction of 5% in rate of interest for the
period commencing from 2014 till date. Special customised schemes for new
and young entrepreneurs were also discussed.
The issue of Bank loans of artisans under the artisan rehabilitation schemes
in the year 2012-13 was raised. A waiver on the lines of the Kisan Credit
Card was urged.
INTEGRATED TEXTILE PARK
The President, KCC&I strongly urged for the establishment of an Integrated
Textile Park in Kashmir. In the recent interaction Mr Javed Ahmad Tenga had
with Mr Ajay Tamta, Minister of Textiles, Government of India the KCC&I was
assured of all support in this regard. It was pointed out that although two
textile parks had been set up in Jammu region, similar proposals were
pending in Kashmir for grant of land by the State Government. The Hon’ble
Chief Minister assured the delegation that land in this regard would be
identified and allotted on priority basis. The President briefed the Hon’ble
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Chief Minister about the positive impact this Park would have on the
Handicraft Sector and on “Brand Kashmir”.
MASTER PLAN
The delegation of the KCC&I impressed upon the Hon’ble Chief Minister the
need for co option of the KCC&I in the main committee formulating the
Master Plan and the Zonal Plans. The President highlighted the importance
of incorporation of the viewpoint of Trade, Commerce and Industry in the
process of formulation of any plan and that the role of the KCC&I should not
be limited to giving suggestions/objections. The contradictions in the existing
land use and the proposed land use plans were also highlighted. The Hon’ble
Chief Minister assured due consideration to this request.