Key Issues Highlighted Include Logistics, Air Cargo, and Dedicated ICD Facility
Srinagar, 13 April 2025: Bridging Gaps Between Exporters and Authorities
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) held an interactive session on Saturday with Mr. Purushottam Kumar Gupta, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Jammu and Kashmir, at its office on Residency Road, Srinagar. The meeting provided a crucial platform for the region’s exporters and KCCI executive committee members to address longstanding challenges affecting the export community and explore actionable solutions.
Key Issues Addressed
- Demand for an Inland Container Depot (ICD)
- One of the primary demands raised during the session was the need for a dedicated Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Kashmir to streamline export operations and reduce logistical challenges.
- While Mr. Gupta informed attendees about the near-completion of the ICD in Samba, the Chamber emphasized the importance of establishing an ICD specifically in Kashmir to ensure convenience and efficiency for local exporters.
- Air Cargo Facilities from Srinagar Airport
- KCCI representatives urged authorities to permit more airlines to offer cargo services from Srinagar airport.
- Expanded air cargo facilities would enhance connectivity, minimize logistical hurdles, and improve the competitiveness of Kashmir’s products in domestic and international markets.
Insights from Key Stakeholders
KCC&I President Javid Tenga welcomed Mr. Gupta and underscored the pivotal role of customs-related infrastructure in boosting Kashmir’s export potential. He pointed out that modernized facilities and better connectivity could significantly amplify the region’s economic growth.
During her keynote remarks, Assistant Director of the Tourism Department Padma Angmo highlighted the synergy between tourism and export growth, advocating for policies that integrate the region’s heritage and natural assets with logistical advancements.
Interactive Dialogue and Outcomes
The session also featured candid discussions about procedural challenges faced by exporters, including customs bottlenecks and delays. Exporters praised the Chamber for organizing a platform where they could directly voice concerns to customs authorities and work collaboratively towards solutions.
The KCC&I expressed gratitude to Mr. Gupta for his attentiveness to their issues and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to facilitate smoother export operations from the Kashmir Valley.
Looking Ahead
This session has set the stage for proactive measures to address export-related hurdles in Kashmir. As stakeholders work together, a dedicated ICD, expanded air cargo services, and streamlined customs processes could serve as transformative solutions for the region’s export community.
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The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) Saturday hosted an interactive session with Mr. Purushottam Kumar Gupta, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Jammu and Kashmir at the Chamber Office on Residency Road. The meeting, which saw active participation from KCCI executive committee members and exporters from the region, addressed several pressing issues confronting the export community of Kashmir.
KCC&I President, Mr. Javid Tenga, welcomed the distinguished guest and highlighted the importance of customs-related infrastructural developments for boosting the region’s export potential.
During the detailed interaction, KCCI representatives raised the long-standing demand for an Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Kashmir. In response, Mr. Gupta informed the gathering that the ICD in Samba is nearing completion, which would partially address logistics challenges. However, the Chamber emphasized that a dedicated ICD in Kashmir remains essential and urged for its expeditious development.
Another critical issue raised during the session was regarding air cargo facilities from Srinagar airport. The KCCI urged that more airlines should be permitted to offer cargo services to exporters from the region, which would enhance connectivity, reduce logistical bottlenecks, and improve the competitiveness of Kashmir’s exports in both domestic and international markets.
The interactive session provided a valuable platform for direct dialogue between the customs authorities and the business community, fostering better understanding of procedural challenges and exploring potential solutions.
The KCC&I expressed gratitude to Mr. Gupta for his attentive consideration of the issues raised and looked forward to continued engagement with customs authorities for facilitating smoother export operations from the Kashmir Valley.
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The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry INC.
2ND FLOOR, MOHIDIN TRUST BUILDING,
RESIDENCY ROAD, SRINAGAR-KASHMIR-190001
TEL: 0194-2455446/2482176
FAX : 0194: 2452517
E-MAIL : thekashmirchamber@gmail.com
Website : www.thekcci.in
