Srinagar, June 19: The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council on Monday organized a Capacity Building and Skill Development Program here on the way forward to exports from the J&K and Ladakh regions. The event was attended by stakeholders, including weavers, startups, small entrepreneurs, craft persons, and merchandisers, who gathered to explore opportunities in the silk industry.
During the program, the Chairman of the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, Akash Mittal, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Ministry of Textiles for their support in implementing various export promotion schemes for weavers, entrepreneurs, and startups. He emphasized the Council’s commitment to assisting traditional weavers and promoting Indian silk products, including GI products and silk carpets.
In conjunction with its 40th Foundation Day, the Council’s Exhibition Committee announced plans to expand the presence of Indian silk in global markets by participating in mega silk exhibitions and buyer-seller meets worldwide. These efforts aim to increase exports and contribute to the growth of the silk industry. The Council also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the J&K Trade Promotion Council, highlighting the importance of collaboration in promoting trade and exports.
Looking ahead, the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council is preparing for the 15th India International Silk Fair cum RBSM in September 2023 in Delhi/NCR. The fair, organized under the MAI Scheme of the Department of Commerce, will serve as a platform to connect overseas buyers with Indian silk suppliers, fostering trade relationships and generating spot orders.
Recognizing the significance of the Indian silk industry, which provides livelihoods to millions of people, the Council aims to position India as the leading producer and exporter of silk. It highlights the sector’s contribution to foreign exchange earnings and employment generation, particularly in rural areas. By leveraging India’s rich heritage of silk artistry and craftsmanship, the Council aims to meet the evolving global demand for diverse weaving styles and contribute to the growth of the industry.
The Council expressed gratitude for the support and congratulatory messages received from various government and non-government organizations. The MD of JKTPO, the Director of Sericulture, the Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms, the MD of JK Industries, and the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry all commended the Council for its successful organization of the Capacity Building program. They appreciated the Council’s mission in protecting, branding, and promoting silk and other allied silk products, including handmade silk carpets worldwide.
The program was graced by Chief Guest Khalid Jahangir, MD of Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion, Guest of Honour Manzoor Ahmad Qadiri, Director of Sericulture, and Guest of Honour Zubair Ahmad, Director of J&K. Vikas Gupta, Director of the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms in J&K, and Sheikh Aashiq Ah, past President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industries, also attended the event. P. Sajad, Deputy Director of Handlooms and Handicrafts, was present as a special invitee.
