Zaffer Mir urges industrialists to drive economic growth in J&K

Budgam, Mar 04: Distinguished political figure Zaffer Mir (Lasjan) took center stage in a concerted effort to ignite economic growth and foster employment opportunities for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
At a gathering in New Delhi, he earnestly appealed to top industrialists and corporate leaders to lend their support to the region’s economic revival.
Highlighting the conducive environment for growth in J&K and the abundant talent among its youth, Mir underscored the critical importance of private sector investment in revitalizing the local economy and catalyzing growth.
“To uplift the local economy and provide employment to the educated unemployed youth in the J&K, private sector investment from across the country is a must,” he asserted, citing the government’s formulation of an attractive industrial policy.
Mir specifically urged industrialists to consider investing in sectors such as Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Horticulture, Information Technology (IT) services, and Pharmaceuticals.
Drawing a parallel with Himachal Pradesh’s success as Asia’s pharmaceutical hub, he envisioned the region becoming a leader in the pharmaceutical sector with the right investments.
“Himachal Pradesh boasts 652 pharmaceutical units, contributing to a thriving ₹40,000 crorepharma manufacturing industry. J&K holds even greater potential, yet its growth is hindered solely by the lack of proper investment and infrastructure,” he emphasized.
Mir also reflected on the region’s tumultuous past marked by insurgency and terrorism while underscoring the urgent need for economic revitalization to address the prevalent unemployment crisis.
“The vast potential for value-added products in FMCG, which could not only stimulate economic growth but also empower the local populace with employment opportunities is a promising enterprise,” he stated.
Mir further emphasized the untapped potential of the leather tannery sector in J&K, pointing to the availability of raw materials locally.
“With the support of our country’s top industrialists, promotion of this sector could lead to substantial job creation and the manufacturing of export-quality goods,” he added.
Speaking on the potential of the IT sector, Mir stressed the need for infrastructure development and knowledge transfer to enable thousands of youths to enter software and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industries.
Later, Mir appealed to the Prime Minister NarendraModi to personally intervene and fulfil the promise of industrial revival and job creation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is the collective efforts of our country’s industrialists and mega-companies that make a difference by effectively driving transformative change and contributing to the nation’s progress,” he said.