Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 8: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today discussed various issues hindering the region’s industrial growth in a meeting with Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner of Industries and Commerce.
A spokesperson from KCCI highlighted concerns about the slow certification process for Geographic Indication (GI) tagging, especially affecting the export of valuable Kashmiri goods like Pashmina. “They stress the urgent need for better infrastructure to meet global demand and how delays in certification hurt international trade relations,” he said.
Additionally, the meeting touched upon the problem with the current Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code for shawls, which does not cover high-quality Kashmiri products. “KCCI mentioned efforts to push for code revisions nationally, seeking help from the Ministry of Commerce,” he said.
He said the discussion also involved broader reforms for industrial expansion, including simpler land allotment procedures, faster clearances, and continued support from the 2016 Industrial Policy.
“Commissioner Vikramjit Singh shared government initiatives to enhance MSME productivity and offer financial assistance through collaborations with NBFCs,” he said.
Led by president Javid Ahmad, he said, the delegation included senior vice president Ashaq Hussain Shangloo, secretary general Faiz Bakshi, EC member Mohammad Lateef Bhat and Bilal Ahmad Bhat.