Excelsior Correspondent
![Minister for Industries and Commerce, S S Slathia stalls at JK Pavilion at Pragti Maidan, New Delhi on Thursday.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/page5-1-copy2-150x150.jpg)
JAMMU, Nov 22: Minister for Industries and Commerce, S S Slathia today called upon the fellow countrymen to visit the J&K Pavilion at the Pragti Maidan, New Delhi where genuine artifacts of the three regions of the State, having unique and distinctive characteristics, have been put on exhibition cum sale for the benefit of visitors.
Speaking at Jammu and Kashmir Day at Pragti Maidan, New Delhi in connection with India International Trade Fair-2012 this afternoon, Mr. Slathia said that handicrafts of the J&K are famous world over for intricate designs, precision and high quality, adding that J&K Handicrafts Pavilion in the Trade Fair has been put up with a view to provide genuine products to the buyers without exploitation of the middlemen besides showcasing State’s rich arts and crafts at national and international levels.
Mr. Slathia also made a fervent appeal to the pilgrims / devotees of Mata Vaishnov Devi to extend their visit on their arrival for darshan of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra, Jammu, to see the enchanting and breath taking natural beauty of Jammu division and Kashmir valley, adding that situation in the Valley has improved considerably and it is as safe to visit it as any other State of the country.
He said J&K Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is endeavouring hard to develop world class tourism infrastructure in various parts of the State for the convenience of the tourists. He said J&K offers vast scope for promotion of pilgrim tourism besides golfing, winter games, adventure tourism and water sports and efforts are underway to develop the State as round the year tourism hub.
Later, the Minister accompanied with the Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce, Shant Manu and Director Handicrafts, J&K, Muzzafar Hussain visited various stalls set up at the JK Pavilion. He also interacted with the artisans who are performing live demonstration of different crafts specially set up for familiarizing the visitors about the manufacturing process.