From its scenic beauty to the exquisite art and crafts, it’s been aptly said if there is paradise on earth it is in Kashmir.
A 16-member delegation from the Buying Agents Association visited the valley recently from 17-19March 2018 to attend the Buyer Seller Meet organized by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI). The KCCI members very warmly welcomed the delegation, making it a
memorable event for all. Mr Lokesh Parashar & Mr Sumit Chhabra (Vice Chairman BAA), Ms Anchal
Kansal (General Secretary, BAA) and Mr Michael Vinod & Mr Deepak Joshi (Member, BAA)
represented BAA on behalf of the Governing Body. Industry veterans Mr S S Bhatnagar and Mr
Anupam Sharan also accompanied the delegation.
Contrary to the media reports, the BAA members found the valley overall peaceful and a city to visit not only for trade but leisure as well. The valley has a considerable amount to offer in terms of products and designs. Through its handcrafted carpets, shawls, crewel embroidery, woodcarving, papier-mâché, scarves and sweaters, the Kashmiri crafts industry is striving to make a mark in the export sector.
The BAA delegation also met the J&K Chief Minister, Madam Mehbooba Mufti and had a very
positive discussion on the required changes and assistance needed by the Kashmiri exporters.
She expressed her interest in developing the Kashmir handicraft sector and to market it
worldwide. She also appealed to spread the word of peace and harmony on behalf of the
Government of Kashmir.
In a meeting held between BAA and KCCI, the KCCI members/ exporters showed a keen interest in growing the export business from Kashmir. They expressed their interest in working with buying agents to get a platform for marketing their products internationally and look upon BAA as a catalyst in promoting trade. It was discussed that the need of the hour is to promote the crafts directly in the international markets and BAA offered to help KCCI in this effort. However, it is also important for the buying agents and the exporters to work together to ensure that the price points of the products are at a level that makes them internationally commercial.
School of Design – Ms Aamina of School Of Design explained the strength of Kashmir crafts.Inspired by the work displayed at the Meet, few BAA delegates visited the School Of Design facility and understood the various challenges faced by them. Unfortunately, the exporters of Kashmir cannot en-cash on the extensive design base provided by the school, as the school is not allowed to sell their designs. Citing the example of ILPA Kolkata, the BAA members shared how this school could help the exporters by not only providing design ideas but also developing samples at a lower cost for the exporters.
The export sector in Kashmir faces multiple challenges in the form of improper infrastructure facilities and hence finds it difficult to increase the production capacity due to labor shortages and weather conditions. There is a need to establish better infrastructure to create a positive working environment for all the exporters and the same is being worked upon. BAA and KCCI shall take this initiative forward in promoting the beautifully handcrafted products ofKashmir to the international markets.
