JK News Today

Jammu, September 16: 

An ASSOCHAM delegation comprising senior industry leaders from Jammu and Kashmir today met the union minister for MSMEs in Jammu and sought extension of the freight subsidy to the industries of the state. 

The delegation led by Mr. Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council urged the minister that incentives  should also be provided to the existing units  which want to upgrade their plant and machinery with latest technology.

“J&K is a landlocked union territory where most of the raw material is procured from outside the UT and finished goods are again sent out to different states; this makes the cost of operations high. We requested for a freight subsidy for all industrial units in J&K to make operations more viable and competitive,” said Mr Batra.  

Expressing his gratitude to Mr Rane for his tour of the UT, Mr Batra said such visits and interaction would encourage investors to commit more in Jammu and Kashmir.

ASSOCHAM has been seeking targeted measures for a level playing field, especially for exports from the land-locked states that bear a higher cost of logistics. Given the rising freight rates, support given to the J&K industry would have a direct benefit towards developing and boosting the trade ecosystem. The Chamber has been working closely with MSMEs across the country and bringing forth suggestions of establishing more Dry Ports to enhance trade from J&K, especially if they are equipped with custom clearance facilities.

Mr Rane assured the ASSOCHAM delegation that their suggestions would be considered.

The delegation also included Dr. M A Alim, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, Sunil Gupta, and Amit Khajuria, Assistant Director & State Head, ASSOCHAM J&K, Ladakh.