Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, (KCCI) Friday resolved to work as “bridge” between Turkey and India to promote business ties between the two countries.
KCCI also said it would promote trade and tourism ties between Turkey and Kashmir to boost economy both sides.President, KCCI Mushtaq Ahmad Wani said a delegation of 25 traders, including tourism related players would visit to Turkey in March 2016 to promote import- export ties.
“The delegation will meet all the business bodies in Turkey during the next year’s visit to promote import-export business which will give a big boost to economy from both sides,” he said.
A delegation of Turkish Chamber of Commerce visited Kashmir after they were invited to attend the KCCI’s ‘Buyer-Seller Meet’ last year, were highly impressed by the handicrafts and handloom of Kashmir. The delegation met KCCI delegations twice to enhance business ties between the two countries.
“KCCI held two meetings with delegations of Turkish chamber in Srinagar and in Delhi since last Buyer-Seller Meet. In both meetings Turkish businessmen showed keen interest to promote ties with India particularly Kashmir,” Wani said.
He said KCCI would not promote Kashmir but would act as bridge between Indo-Turkish chambers to promote the business between the two countries.
Wani said Kashmir handicrafts have huge market in the Turkey and visiting delegation would assess the market trends and would look for exploring the business more.
He said the demand for Kashmiri Handicrafts has surged in past two years and presently handicrafts worth Rs 600 crore are exported to the markets of Turkey.
“Turkey is a tourist place. People from every nook and corner visit there, our handcarts including shawl, chain stitch, rugs, cushions, paper machie products and handlooms particularly our carpets are always in good demand across Turkish markets,” he said.
KCCI said not only Turkey provides great market to the Kashmir exporters but also has potential for imports as well.
Former KCCI president, Sheikh Ashiq said the chamber would also promote Kashmir as one of the best tourism destinations in Turkey. “We will host a Fam-Tour exclusively for the Turkish leading tour operators in Kashmir in next year to promote tourism links between Turkey and Kashmir,” said Ashiq.
He said the visiting chamber delegation would survey Turkey markets and promote both import as well export avenues.
