Srinagar February 03 (KNS): Committee of Administration, Carpet Export Promotion Council and former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Ashiq welcomed the India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement. He called it a major boost for Kashmir’s handmade carpet and handicraft industry. CEPC represents a sector closely linked to the region’s cultural heritage. The Council said the agreement addresses long standing tariff barriers faced by Kashmiri exporters in global markets.
According to a statement issued here reads that, Kashmir plays a major role in India’s handmade carpet exports. Nearly 60 percent of India’s handmade carpet shipments go to the United States. The US is the largest market for the sector. Along with the European Union, the US remains critical for Kashmiri artisans known for hand knotted carpets.
Sheikh Ashiq thanked the Government of India for its diplomacy. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh. He said, “We hope this will lead to even more easing of barriers in the future.” He described the agreement as a benefit for the handmade carpet sector and the wider handicraft industry in Kashmir.
Captain Mukesh Gombar, Chairman of CEPC, also welcomed the development.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said the India–EU and India–UK FTAs had given partial relief to the industry. He said the India–US FTA has brought fresh confidence. He highlighted the rollback of tariffs to 18 percent from the earlier 50 percent. He said this step restored competitiveness for Indian handmade carpets in the US market and revived confidence among exporters and buyers.
Aslam Mahboob, Vice Chairman of CEPC, said the industry is closing the current financial year on a positive note. He said the new financial year begins with key policy issues addressed. He said these trade agreements will strongly impact India’s USD 2 billion handmade carpet industry. He said nearly 2.5 million artisans across the country will benefit directly.
Dr Smita Nagarkoti, Executive Director off., CEPC, said the Council will launch structured outreach and awareness programmes. These programmes will target exporters and stakeholders. She said the focus will be on opportunities, compliance needs, and procedures under the India–UK and India–EU FTAs. She said the aim is to ensure benefits reach the grassroots level.
CEPC said it will continue to work with the Government of India. The Council said the focus will remain on export growth, higher artisan incomes in Kashmir, and sustaining India’s position in handmade carpets.(KNS)