Srinagar, July 26: The PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry Kashmir said it had a productive and engaging meeting with Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by the Chamber Chairman A P Vicky Shaw who was accompanied by former chairman Baldev, Co-chairman Javaid Anim, Himayu Wani, Sajad Ahamd Shah and Iqbal Fayaz Jan, the Chamber said in a statement issued here, adding that the delegation presented a range of crucial issues affecting the business and industrial landscape in the region.
During the meeting, the PHD Chamber invited the Chief Secretary for J&K 1st Cold Chain Expo and International Climate Summit being organised by PHDCCI. According to the statement, “The Chairman highlighted several pressing matters, including the delayed payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), supply disruption of Pet Coke to the cement industry, the need for Final Value-Added Tax (VAT) Amnesty, the persistent delays in obtaining approval for land use alteration from SDA, pending cases of Change in Line of Activity after Provisional registration, revival and promotion of Kashmir Haat (Numaish Gah), the revival of existing and sick industrial units, request for implementation of the order of procurement from Micro and Small Enterprises for a minimum of 20 percent in each and every department of J&K government, hurdle free and priority transportation for perishable items.”
It was also urged to request the banks to exercise restraint in pressuring stressed account holders and also the renewal of leases for Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg was brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary, the statement added.
The Chief Secretary attentively listened to the concerns raised by the Chamber and provided immediate directions for certain issues and guidance to address these issues. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion took place, wherein the Chief Secretary emphasized the government’s commitment to digital transformation. “He (CS) encouraged entrepreneurs to develop cutting-edge skills and compete not only at the national level but on the international stage as well. (The Chief Secretary) said that it is the right time and very essential for entrepreneurs of J&K to stay ahead of the curve, embracing innovation and employing cutting-edge technologies in their respective fields,” the Chamber said.
The Chamber in the statement expressed its gratitude to the Chief Secretary for his “invaluable support”, and said the organization looks forward to continued collaboration and mutual growth in the pursuit of a vibrant business environment in J&K.
