Srinagar, Oct 01 (KNO): In a significant development for the trade, logistics and export sector of Jammu & Kashmir, the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI) and the Chamber of Commerce & Industries Kashmir (CCIK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
According to a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the landmark MoU is aimed at strengthening logistics and export facilitation in Jammu & Kashmir and creating a more efficient ecosystem for the region’s exporters.
The occasion was graced by Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, as Chief Guest
Representatives of both organisations highlighted the importance of the collaboration in facilitating exporters from Jammu & Kashmir. Under the proposed initiative, exporters will have greater access to customs-related facilitation and logistics support within the Union Territory reducing the need to route consignments to other states for completing export formalities.
As part of the initiative, FFFAI plans to establish facilitation counters in Srinagar and Anantnag to support exporters with customs clearance and related logistics services. CCIK also strongly advocated for the establishment of an additional facilitation counter in Baramulla, which would provide greater convenience to exporters from North Kashmir.
The initiative is expected to particularly benefit exporters associated with the horticulture, agriculture and floriculture & Handicraft Sectors while helping reduce transportation costs, save valuable time and improve the overall ease of doing business.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by CCIK President Tariq Ghani, along with Senior Vice President Hussain Khan, Junior Vice President Imran, Joint Secretary Aatif Khan, Convenor Umar Jan Wani, Chief Coordinator Ashiq Bhat, Youth President Mr Zubair along with Executive Members of CCIK
Representing FFFAI, Chairman Amit Kamat led the delegation and was accompanied by senior office bearers of the Federation. The Immediate Past President of FFFAI, along with the Joint Secretary and other distinguished members of the Federation, were also present on the occasion.
Welcoming the partnership, CCIK expressed confidence that the collaboration would open new avenues for trade, strengthen the region’s export infrastructure and facilitate greater integration of Jammu & Kashmir with national and international markets.
The Chamber termed the MoU as an important step towards empowering local exporters, improving logistics connectivity and creating a more facilitative business environment for the export community of Jammu & Kashmir.
At the conclusion of the meeting, CCIK President Tariq Ghani was honoured with an Award of Appreciation by the Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI) in recognition of his contribution towards strengthening trade, logistics and export facilitation in Jammu & Kashmir and for his efforts in fostering greater collaboration between CCIK and FFFAI—(KNO)