Two-day buyer-seller meet begins at SKICC; CM Omar Abdullah performs inauguration

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JUNE 29 (STC):
A two-day buyer-seller event was inaugurated at SKICC by the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here today. The event provided a global platform to local industrials where they have the opportunity to market their products directly to different parts of the world.
While talking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the two-day buyers and sellers meeting has brought together Kashmiri artisans, self-help groups, agricultural production organizations, start-ups, businessmen and international buyers on a single platform. He said that participants from different regions of the world including Africa, Australia, North America, Europe and Asia attended the meeting, which will provide new opportunities for local industrialists and exporters to access global markets. Regarding the number of foreign participants affected due to international disputes To a question, the Chief Minister said that he could not compare the expected and actual participation, however, the representation of about 15 to 16 countries and the presence of about 40 foreign buyers is a clear proof of global interest. He said, “We hope that those who could not participate this time due to the current conflict, will definitely join such programs in the future.”
Omar Abdullah said that training and awareness sessions are also being organized in this meeting so that the existing and new exporters can be provided with complete information about export procedures, government assistance and subsidy schemes. He said that the government’s effort is not only that the existing exporters increase their exports but also to bring such people into the export sector who have not yet started trading abroad.
Talking about tourism, Omar Abdullah said that instead of focusing too much on the number of tourists coming to Kashmir, the ground realities should be looked at. He said, “Don’t just focus on the numbers. People are coming to Kashmir, hotels are full, there is traffic on the roads and the locals are earning. Let them earn. If we continue to emphasize on numbers, we will only harm ourselves.”
He added that the overall situation can be assessed correctly only after the current tourist season is over.
(Straight Talk Communications)