The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has proposed organizing market study tours to Europe, the Middle East, the USA, and other international destinations to promote exports in the handicrafts sector and other industries.

A delegation from KCCI, led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, met with Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday to discuss these initiatives, according to a statement released by the chamber.

During the meeting, KCCI emphasized the need for the minister's intervention to support the promotion of handicraft and artisan products. The delegation advocated for participation in reverse buyer-seller meets (RBSM) events organized by various export promotion councils both in India and abroad. The importance of the handicrafts sector, which supports the livelihoods of tens of thousands of artisans and weavers, was also highlighted.

The delegation further addressed the long-pending inauguration of the pre-export Pashmina DNA Testing Lab at SKUAST Srinagar. They requested that the lab be accredited by NABL and the Wildlife Department at Srinagar/Delhi, where over 95% of Pashmina is produced. Additionally, they urged that certification from this lab be made mandatory for customs clearance of export consignments to avoid delays and seizures.

KCCI also proposed that the North belt of the Kashmir region, known for its renowned handmade silk carpets and being a weaver-inhabited area, be declared as a "carpet village."

In response to these discussions, the textile minister appreciated KCCI's concerns regarding the handicrafts sector and the weaver/artisan community. He gave a positive response to the suggestions raised by the KCCI and assured that these issues would be addressed promptly.