FEBRUARY 03:- With a vision to enhance the Export of Goods from Srinagar District to boost the local Economy, a meeting was held today under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad at Conference Hall of DC Office Complex here to discuss the modalities for formulating a detailed District Export Action for the Srinagar to Develop as Export Hub. At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner took a detailed appraisal about the measures undertaken for boosting exports of various products which are being produced or manufactured in the District. A comprehensive discussion on the subject was held wherein various issues pertaining to the finalization of the District Export Action Plan were discussed. The DC also took a thorough assessment of the Export activities being carried out under different sectors in the District. He was given feedback about the range of products that are produced in the District having demand in national and international markets and can prove key to make Srinagar an Export Hub under One District One Product(ODOP). The earnest & young consultant to J&K Trade Promotion Organization(Industries & Commerce) shared a blueprint regarding the District Export Plan and it was given out that trade of Silk Carpet has been identified under ODOP in Srinagar District. The Silk carpets have gained a good market within the Country and other parts of the world including Japan, UAE, Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia based on signed Free Trade Agreements(FTAs). Similarly under long term priority market Kashmir based Silk carpet can target untapped potential markets in USA, Germany, France, Brazil, Italy, Poland Canada, Belgium, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland etc. He also appraised the chair that Walnut Wood jCarving, Honey, Chain Stitch, Leather, Pashmina, Kani Shawl, Paper Mache, Copperware and Bakery products have been choosen for District Export Hub. On the occasion, the DC asked all the concerned Departments to undertake concerted efforts to finalize a comprehensive District Export Plan to increase Export volume with adequate market linkage to the Industry. He stressed on taking measures for providing support required by the local industry in boosting their manufacturing and exports with impetus on supporting the industry from the production stage to the exporting stage. The DC also laid emphasis on modernization of traditional heritage crafts of Kashmir to explore possibilities for further expanding the ambit of the export area to make Srinagar District an Export hub. He stressed on incorporating Information Technology interventions in handicraft craft sector to encourage younger generation to carry forward the rich heritage of world famous crafts and industries associated with Carpet weaving, Walnut/Wood Carving, Paper-Machie, Copperware and other Handloom/Handicraft products, besides Agriculture and Horticulture products thereby generating employment avenues. The DC asked the Officers to hold interactions with concerned Exporters of Silk Carpet related to ODOP initiative to make preparations for holding of District Level Export Conference in Srinagar with a vision to convert it into an Export Hub and inviting foreign buyers. The DC said the need to prepare District Export Plans is aimed to identify products and services for overseas markets, which includes specific actions required to support local exporters/ manufacturers in producing /manufacturing identified products in adequate quantity and requisite quality, for reaching potential buyers outside Srinagar District, J&K and India. He also emphasized that these plans must also address the challenges for exports of such identified products/services, improving supply chains, market accessibility and handholding for increasing exports. Meanwhile, the DC also asked the concerned to speed up the process regarding launching of the ODOP Bazaar on Government e-Marketplace (GeM) with products of different sectors online platform to promote sales and procurement of ODOP products by showcasing online across the globe. Besides, Additional District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, General Manager DIC, Hamida Akhtar and Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, the meeting was attended by Principal ITI, Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan, Superintendent Women ITI, Bemina, Assistant Director, Handicrafts, Area Marketing Officer, Horticulture besides Representatives from JKTPO and Craft Development Institute.
