SRINAGAR: The two-day Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair (JKTSF) 2024, an International Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM), concluded today.
The JKTSF 2024 was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) at SKUAST-Kashmir.
Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Saurabh Bhagat Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director, Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, Khalid Majeed; Director Industries and Commerce Department Kashmir, and N. Sreedhar, Executive Director of HEPC were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Secretary of Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh highlighted that the fair marks the beginning of a tradition aimed at promoting trade and exports while fostering economic prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of such platforms in enabling artisans to forge connections that transcend borders
Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, also addressed the gathering on the occasion.
Managing Director of JKTPO, Khalid Jahangir while delivering the vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for the successful conduct of the event.
Earlier, Executive Director of HEPC, N. Sreedhar, in his welcome address, hailed the initiative of JKTPO and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the fair, over 70 local sellers showcased an array of handcrafted products, including intricate shawls, Pashmina suits, resplendent sarees, Basohli paintings, crewelwork, paper mache, and chain stitch creations. The event has attracted more than 50 national and international buyers from countries like Australia, Japan, Germany, France, Quwait, UK, Duestcheland, Egypt, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc. Visitors had the opportunity to witness the region’s rich artistry and explore high-quality, handcrafted products known for their uniqueness and cultural significance.
The event facilitated meaningful interactions between artisans and buyers, ensuring economic upliftment for the artisan community and promotion of Kashmir’s rich art and culture.
The two-day event garnered immense interest from both buyers and exhibitors. The event saw a remarkable turnout, with a significant number of participants engaging in meaningful interactions and business discussions. The overwhelming response is a testament to the event’s relevance and effectiveness in facilitating connections between industry stakeholders and achieving significant milestones in sales and lead generation.
The two-day event recorded sample sales amounting to Rs 54.00 lacs and confirmed business orders worth Rs. 10.3 crores, as per the tentative information shared by buyers/sellers, were placed. Furthermore, the fair generated an impressive 904 leads which highlights the fair’s success as a platform for fostering business opportunities and strengthening the textile sector.
Earlier, in August 2023, the inaugural edition of the Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair was successfully organized at the University of Kashmir, showcasing the region’s rich and diverse textile heritage. The event attracted 50 buyers from different parts of the country and around the world, underscoring the global appeal of Jammu and Kashmir’s exceptional craftsmanship.
It prominently featured GI-tagged Pashmina products alongside an impressive array of handloom and handicrafts, including meticulously handcrafted and hand-knotted creations. This landmark event achieved significant commercial success, generating orders worth Rs 12 crore and facilitating substantial on-spot sales. Beyond highlighting the unparalleled artistry of the region, it firmly established Jammu and Kashmir as a prominent hub for premium textile products in global markets.
Given these achievements, the JK Textile Sourcing Fair has solidified its status as an essential annual event that not only boosts the local economy but also enhances the global visibility of the Jammu and Kashmir textile industry, making it a cornerstone for future growth and development.