Srinagar, Jun 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a globally competitive export hub by expanding market access for local artisans, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), handicraft producers, and agro-based enterprises.
Omar inaugurated the two-day Jammu and Kashmir International Buyer-Seller Meet-2026 at SKICC. The event, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (J&K TPO) in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), features more than 30 international and national buyers from over 14 countries, over 20 live demonstrations under the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative, and showcases more than 100 handicrafts, handloom, and agro-food products from across J&K. Dedicated pavilions have been established for women Self-Help Groups and the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative.
Reflecting on the region’s rich trading legacy, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir had historically been a place for export of its products, though not through conventional export channels. Buyers from India and abroad traditionally travelled to Kashmir as tourists, purchased local products, and became ambassadors of Kashmiri craftsmanship in global markets, with many interactions evolving into enduring business relationships.
However, changing circumstances and a prolonged decline in tourism disrupted this traditional model, compelling artisans to actively seek markets beyond the region, he said.
The CM highlighted that the process of organising structured buyer-seller meets was initiated during his tenure in the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry to reconnect local producers with national and international markets.
“Nearly 98 per cent of J&K’s exports currently originate from four districts, leaving enormous untapped potential across the rest of the region,” Abdullah said. He stressed that achieving ambitious export targets would require not only supporting existing exporters but also creating a new generation of exporters from rural and underserved regions.
Describing the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative as one of the defining features of this year’s event, he said it goes beyond showcasing finished products by enabling buyers to meet the artisans whose skill and craftsmanship bring these creations to life, adding a personal connection that enhances the product’s value and strengthens its appeal in international markets.
The event was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh, FIEO CEO Ajay Sahai, MD J&K Trade Promotion Organisation Sudarshan Kumar, along with senior officers, exporters, artisans, entrepreneurs, women SHGs, foreign delegates, and trade representatives.
