MAY 23: In a significant step towards fostering economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with a high-level delegation from the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) to discuss pressing issues facing the local business community. The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to supporting trade, addressing long-standing concerns, and creating an enabling environment for commerce and industry.
During the interaction, the KTMF representatives presented a detailed overview of challenges confronting traders and manufacturers in the region. Key issues highlighted included limited access to broader markets, insufficient infrastructure for business operations, cumbersome regulatory frameworks, and a lack of consistent trade-friendly policies. The delegation emphasized the need for streamlined processes, better logistics, and government-backed initiatives to rejuvenate local industry.
Responding positively, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the business community that their concerns are being taken seriously and would be addressed on a priority basis. He reaffirmed his government’s dedication to facilitating trade through both policy reform and infrastructure development. Omar Abdullah also acknowledged the crucial role of the private sector in economic revival and assured the delegation that the administration is committed to removing bottlenecks hindering trade and industry.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of market expansion for Kashmiri products, promising efforts to improve connectivity, encourage investment, and enhance supply chain logistics. He further discussed upcoming projects aimed at modernizing industrial zones and revamping urban commercial infrastructure. Special attention was given to promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the region’s economy.
The meeting concluded with the establishment of a joint working group, comprising officials from the state government and members of the KTMF, to monitor progress and ensure timely implementation of agreed-upon measures.
The dialogue was welcomed by the trading community, which hailed it as a step in the right direction. The federation expressed optimism that the Chief Minister’s assurances would translate into concrete action, paving the way for a more robust and resilient local economy.
This development marks a renewed focus on economic development and reflects a collaborative approach between the government and private sector stakeholders in shaping a prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir.