SRINAGAR: With a vision to convert the 20 districts of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir into an export hub, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Union MoS, Trade and Industry, Smt Anupriya Patel today unveiled the district export plans for J&K.

Addressing the gathering at the event held at SKICC, the Lieutenant Governor observed that the Jammu and Kashmir region possesses several comparative advantages like climate and rich culture of arts and crafts.

The lieutenant governor said each J&K district is fortunate to have local products with the potential to go global. Nine GI labeled products, more than 50 potential export products have been identified and an institutional mechanism is being established in all districts to provide export promotion support, he added.

J&K emerged as one of the top performers, reaching 3rd position among UTs in the Export Promotion Index and improving 13 positions in the overall ranking. With its rapidly growing economy, expanding market and industrial base, J&K is committed to building a strong export ecosystem, the lieutenant governor said.

Emphasizing that the dream of economic growth, the aspirations of the youth can only be realized under conditions of peace, Lt Governor said that in pursuit of development goals, society must play a vital supporting role to thwart the efforts of adversaries and isolate anti-social elements. .

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the administration is not only aiming to take the export of J&K from Rs. 1845 Crore to Rs.5000 Crore, but it is also committed to building a better future for our young people and a society without inequalities nor unemployment. “We therefore seek to make every citizen an equal partner in the development process,” added the Lieutenant Governor.

The Lieutenant Governor commended the Department of Trade and Industry, DGFT, JKTPO and J&K Exporters, Farmers, Artisans, Khadi Village Industries, Entrepreneurs Associated with Self Help Groups and all stakeholders for the unveiling of district export plans.

The Lieutenant Governor said this historic step is in line with the vision of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who in 2019 made a clear call to recognize and harness the uniqueness and diversity of the country’s 773 districts. correctly so that each neighborhood can develop into an export hub and establish its identity on the world market.

The District Export Plans prepared by the DGFT and the Department of Industries are a huge step forward in the campaign of AatmaNirbhar Bharat, which links rural and urban India equally to the mainstream of economic development. It will help the village industries and cottage industries in Jammu and Kashmir to make great strides in the export sector, the Lieutenant Governor added.

Under the dynamic leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister, India has launched campaigns such as Make in India, Vocal for Local, AatmaNirbhar Bharat and today the ease of doing business ranking has improved significantly, observed the Lieutenant Governor.

The Lieutenant Governor said that over the past two years, the UT administration has taken several steps to identify and promote local product exports, which has resulted in a 54% increase in exports in 2021- 22, compared to 2020-21.

The Lieutenant Governor also called on stakeholders to change their marketing approach and focus on becoming exporters of finished products instead of just suppliers of raw materials.

“I am confident that through the institutional mechanism of district export promotion committees established in all districts, we will set the targets, take appropriate measures on supporting local industries and effectively convert export plans into action. export, cementing strong and economic foundation of UT,” said the lieutenant governor.

The G-20 Summit to be held next year will provide all of us with such a historic opportunity to show UT’s great tradition to the world and open up new avenues to tap into the ever-growing global market for craftsmanship. , which reached the United States. $680 billion in 2021 and will reach $1.252 billion by 2027, the lieutenant governor observed.

Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State, Trade and Industry, hailed the occasion as an important step towards realizing the Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of making J&K districts strong hubs economies, in addition to giving a new impetus to exports from the Jammu and Kashmir region. .

The Ministry of Trade and Industry is committed to empowering each district in Jammu and Kashmir to make the most of their potential through the District Export Centers. J&K’s UT District Export Plans will provide single-source access to all stakeholders, industry and sector export data, and detailed, user-friendly data analysis , added the Union MoS.

Vivek Bhardwaj, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, J&K emphasized the need for constant improvements to meet modern demands, in addition to focusing on market expansion, product range at the scale and new designs.

Santosh Sarangi, General Manager of Foreign Trade, talked about the outline of the export scenario at J&K. He also highlighted various segments of the District as Export Hubs program including financial aid, tracking mechanism, proposed outcome, workflow, and more.

Dr. Devansh Yadav, Managing Director of JKTPO, in his welcome address, gave a detailed presentation on the aims and objectives of the District Export Plans.

On this occasion, J&K Trade Promotion Organization signed MoUs with Wool and Wool Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), Swasti (Walmart Vriddhi) and Electronic and Computer Software Export Promotion Council, for the development of the wollen segment at J&K, capacity building of MSMEs and promotion of electronics. & computer software company in UT.

The Lieutenant Governor and Union MoS also presented export awards to J&K’s top performing export houses.

Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir; Exporters, entrepreneurs, senior officials from UT and central government, as well as various stakeholders were present on the occasion.