Srinagar, June 30 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the recently held buyer-seller meet is a significant step towards building long-term trade ties for local artisans and manufacturers. He stressed that such platforms are meant to create lasting business partnerships and not just cater to tourists.

“One buyer-seller meet won’t solve everything, but it helps us begin new relationships,” CM Omar said. “We have planned six buyer-seller and six reverse buyer-seller meets. This is just the beginning.”

Addressing concerns raised by some participants about the timing of the event, the Chief Minister clarified that this was not meant for tourists, but for serious buyers from across the country and abroad.

“Tourists don’t come for buyer-seller meets. They shop casually. This event is about bulk sourcing and official trade relationships,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Please don’t confuse tourists with buyers.”

Responding to doubts over the impact of the event, Abdullah urged patience and fairness in judgment.
“Let the entire cycle of 12 meets happen. Even if one artisan secures a big order, the effort will be worth it,” he added.

On the security and logistics arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the CM assured that all necessary steps had been taken.

“The LG has held meetings with political parties and civil society. Security and facilities are in place. We’re ready to welcome the pilgrims,” he said, adding that the first batch of pilgrims would be flagged off from Jammu on July 2.

“We pray for a successful Yatra and hope that every tourist returns home safe,” he said. (KNS)