SRINAGAR, Raouf Dar (KIMS) — The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) on Thursday welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), calling it as a timely intervention for Jammu and Kashmir’s export sectors.
KCC&I said the mission will boost export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs, first-time exporters and labour-intensive sectors such as handicrafts, which form a significant part of J&K’s export base.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Mission with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31. It will be implemented by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade through a fully digital platform, ensuring seamless access from application to disbursal.
The Chamber welcomed the Mission’s two components — Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha — covering financial and non-financial support including affordable trade finance, interest subvention, export branding, packaging assistance, participation in international trade fairs, logistics support, compliance facilitation and quality enhancement.
KCC&I appreciated the consolidation of the Interest Equalisation Scheme and the Market Access Initiative into a unified, technology-enabled export support framework aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Chamber said the approval comes at a crucial time, with J&K’s export sectors facing setbacks including a ₹733-crore decline in handicrafts exports during 2023–24, reduced global visibility, limited trade fair participation and high logistical challenges. It said the Mission offers integrated support that can help rebuild confidence among artisans, growers, MSMEs and new exporters.
KCC&I expressed optimism that the Mission will aid the revival of traditional crafts — carpets, shawls, papier-mâché and walnut woodwork — along with horticulture exports, which require stronger branding and packaging to improve their global reach.
The Chamber also welcomed the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters, noting that collateral-free credit will help MSMEs and first-time exporters scale operations and enter new markets.
Reiterating its goal of doubling J&K’s export volume in the next three years, the Chamber said the approval of the Export Promotion Mission has generated fresh optimism across the business community.
KCC&I said it will continue to work with DGFT, export bodies, financial institutions and government agencies to ensure the benefits of the Mission reach artisans, growers, manufacturers, MSMEs and first-time exporters across the Valley. — (KIMS)