SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 25 (KNS):- With a view to enhance the Export Shipments from Srinagar District to boost the local economy, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad at Conference Hall of DC Office Complex here on Tuesday to discuss the modalities for formulating District Export Plan.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner held a detailed discussion regarding the process to prepare a District Export Plan specific to different sectors. The DC also took a first hand appraisal from the line Departments about the Export activities being carried out under different sectors.
On the occasion, the DC asked all the concerned Departments to undertake concerted efforts to formulate 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 formulating a strategy to enhance logistics and infrastructure at the District level and better utilisation of the Market Access Initiative for inviting foreign buyers.
Highlighting the need to channelize the unique potential of each sector including Handicraft, Handloom, Woodcarving, Papier-mâché, Chain stitch crewel and other items, besides Agriculture and Horticulture products, the DC stressed the Officers to explore possibilities for further expanding the ambit of the export area to make Srinagar District an Export hub.
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 J&K and India. he said These plans must also address the challenges for exports of such identified products/services, improving supply chains, market accessibility and handholding for increasing exports.
Giving details about volume of items exported under Handicraft Sector from Kashmir Division, the DC was informed by AD Handicrafts that an Export business of Rs 636 crore has been made during year 2020-21 including Carpets worth Rs 300 crore, Shawls to the tune of Rs 172 crore, Papier-mâché items of 13.27 crore, Chain stitch crewel items worth Rs 140 crore, Wood Carving items of Rs 7.22 crore and other items of Rs 2.44 crore.
At the outset, the DC also held a detailed interaction with the Exporters and assured all possible support from the District Administration.
He also asked them to share a plan with the District Administration for further expanding the Export sector in the District to increase the income levels of the local artisan and farmers by generating more employment avenues.
General Manager DIC, Hamida Akhtar, Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, Chief Agriculture Officer, Mohammad Younis Chowdhary, Assistant Director Handicrafts, Zahid Ahmad, District Floriculture Officer, Dr Inam and other concerned Officers, besides Exporters of the District were present in the meeting.(KNS)