Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 27: Federation of Industries Jammu (FoIJ) has demanded opening of new cross LoC trade routes between divided Jammu and Kashmir state.
The Federation also expressed serious concern with regard to non- inclusion of majority of Industrial products being manufactured by MSME Sector of J&K for the cross LoC trade.
Chairman FOIJ, Lalit Mahajan appreciated the steps taken by the previous State Govt to explore the market avenues by opening the new routes for cross LoC trade for the Industrial sector of J&K to provide relief to the MSME Sector who is suffering due to locational disadvantages and shallow market avenues as it is difficult for them to sell their products in the neighbouring states and if an opportunity is provide to the Unit holders to sell their products through cross LoC trade, it will boost the confidence of the Industrial Units and overall economic development of the State.
At present, the local MSME sector is producing the quality products in our State which includes ferrous and non -ferrous products, pharma & health care products, food products, packaging material, pesticides, Building material, paint hardware, electrical goods, garments, blankets and carpets, IT products, engineering goods, stationery items, cattle/ poultry feed, chemicals and other allied products but unable to sell their products through cross LoC trade due to non- inclusion of majority of Items in the present SOP.
For achieving dual goals of Economic development and peace building using a market development intervention, we strongly suggest that all goods being manufactured in J&K be brought into the ambit of LoC trade, to open other routes on LoC close to border i.e. Pallanwala – Chhambh, Nowshehra – Mirpur and opening of Suchetgarh (Jammu District) route for International trade of goods with other part of Pakistan on the pattern of Wagha border to explore new market for local industry.
“We request the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik to explore the possibilities for the opening of new routes for Cross LoC Trade and also opening of Suchetgarh (Jammu District) route for International trade of goods with other part of Pakistan on the pattern of Wagha border to explore new market for local industry.