Activities & Services

Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan Engages with Industry and Trade Associations of Kashmir in Srinagar; Says it will be a significant milestone in Promotion of Trade & Exports

Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan Engages with Industry and Trade Associations of Kashmir in Srinagar; Says it will be a significant milestone in Promotion of Trade & Exports

Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan Engages with Industry and Trade Associations of Kashmir in Srinagar; Says it will be a significant milestone in Promotion of Trade & Exports

 

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir –June, 2^nd, 2023

The Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, today participated in an interaction with industry and trade associations of Kashmir. The event, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), was held in Sanat Ghar, Bemina, providing a platform to foster stronger economic ties and explore mutually beneficial trade opportunities.

Mr. Khalid Jahangir, the Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), welcomed the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, during a meet held in Srinagar, and appreciated the interest shown by him in reaching out to the Trade and Industry partners of Jammu & Kashmir. He also gave an overview about the prevailing trade scenario with special reference to products having competitive advantage for export to Saudi Arabia.

The gathering brought together esteemed business leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives from various industry and trade associations in Kashmir, offering a unique opportunity to discuss and address the challenges faced by the local business community.

In his opening address Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral trade between UT of J&K and Saudi Arabia. He acknowledged the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of Kashmir and expressed his admiration for the region's contributions to the nation's economy, He also observed that unique and niche products of J&K have lot of potential as far as the markets of Saudi Arabia are concerned. Responding to the issues/ concerns raised by the participants Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan praised the efforts of the JKTPO in promoting trade and investment opportunities in Kashmir and expressed the Embassy's commitment to supporting such initiatives. He assured the participants of the Indian government's continuous efforts to create a conducive business environment and provide necessary support for trade and investment activities especially for export of GI tagged products of Jammu & Kashmir. He assured to create business linkages for the exporters of J&K, adding that delegation visits, B2B meets, Exhibitions, Road Shows etc. can be organized in Saudi Arabia. The interaction between the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the industry and trade associations of Kashmir in Srinagar marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two regions. It reflects the shared commitment to exploring new avenues of cooperation and leveraging the vast potential for trade and investment.

During the event, representatives from the industry and trade associations of Kashmir presented their perspectives on key sectors, including tourism, Handloom &handicrafts, Agriculture, Food Processing and Horticulture. They highlighted the immense potential for collaboration and investment in these sectors, showcasing the unique products and services that Kashmir has to offer to Saudi Arabia. The representatives from Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI),PHDCCI Kashmir, Federation chamber of industries Kashmir (FCIK), CA Store Association, Confederation of Indian Industry(CII), Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization (`KCCDO), Pampore Saffron Producers Association, Bat Manufacturing Association and various organizations dealing with Wood curving, pashmina, Paper machie products interacted with Ambassador and highlighted the need for collaboration between Jammu & Kashmir and Saudi business establishments.

The interaction also served as a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences among the attendees, fostering networking and partnership opportunities. Business leaders and entrepreneurs from Kashmir expressed keen interest in exploring collaborations with their Saudi Arabian counterparts and acknowledged the potential for growth and synergy between the two regions. It was also suggested to promote tourism both inbound and outbound, adding that Fam trips, Golf tournament etc play a vital role in this regard.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Khalid Jahangir, who expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan for his valuable insights and presence. He also thanked the industry and trade associations of Kashmir for their active participation and commitment to enhancing economic cooperation.