J&K calls for 'Brand Kashmir' to protect the state's exceptional hand-made products

Calling for the promotion of 'Brand Kashmir' Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has assured the business community that the base of industry and handicraft sector in the State would be strengthened.

According to PTI, Sayeed was addressing businessmen after inaugurating 'Kashmir Expo' - 6th International Buyer-Seller Meet, at SKICC in Srinagar. Besides domestic buyers, business delegates from 21 countries including United States, UK, Germany, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam and Indonesia are participating in the meet.

Sayeed emphasized upon promoting 'Brand Kashmir' to protect the state's exceptional hand-made products from fakes being sold in national, overseas markets in the name of 'Kashmir Art'.

"It is our joint responsibility to see that 'Brand Kashmir' is safeguarded and fake products in the name of Kashmir Art are not only discouraged but totally wiped out. This can only be done with active participation of all stakeholders," he said.

Sayeed said the state is framing a new Industrial Policy which will primarily focus on investment and employment generation without compromising on environment and ecology.

Stressing on patenting of handicraft and handloom products, he said, steps have to be taken to protect rare arts and sale in volume so that "we are able to cater to the demands at national and global-level."

The CM said that steps have also to be taken to improve the working condition of the artisans. Complimenting artisans for making such exquisite handicraft and handloom items, the Chief Minister described these sectors as vital for development of the state's economy.

He said both the sectors will be promoted in a big way by introducing cluster approach, establishing common facility centres and design development, besides facilitating access to credit and markets.

A Raw Material Bank for Pashmina has already been set up for Kashmir-based artisans and micro-credit to artisans and weavers through and Weaver Credit Card Schemes will continue, Sayeed said.

He said the Government has also announced a special scheme for Pashmina in Ladakh and for development of other crafts in the State. "Union Ministry of Textiles has already created a Special Purpose Vehicle for implementation of these schemes," he added.

Calling for dovetailing handicraft industry with tourism, the Chief Minister said it will provide a window of opportunity to our handicraft sector to sell genuine quality products to high-spending visitors to the State.

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