Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurates Jammu and Kashmir Buyer-Seller Meet to boost exports
SRINAGAR, June 29 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the two-day Jammu and Kashmir International Buyer-Seller Meet 2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a globally competitive export hub, he called for expanding market access for local artisans, women Self-Help Groups, handicraft producers, and agro-based enterprises.
The Chief Minister stated that the buyer-seller platform will help diversify the export basket, build global partnerships, and create a new generation of exporters from rural areas.The international trade event is being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. More than 30 international and national buyers from over 14 countries are participating in the meet, which features over 20 live demonstrations under the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative and showcases more than 100 handicrafts, handloom, and agro-food products from across the region.
Dedicated pavilions have been established for women Self-Help Groups alongside the curated artisan initiative, aiming to foster direct engagement between buyers and local craftsmen. Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister inspected exhibition stalls from various districts and interacted with foreign buyer delegations to appreciate their participation in strengthening international trade linkages.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the global delegates and highlighted the historical context of the region’s trade, noting that buyers traditionally travelled to Kashmir as tourists and became global ambassadors for Kashmiri craftsmanship. However, changing circumstances and past declines in tourism disrupted this traditional model, compelling artisans to actively seek external markets to sustain their livelihoods.
He recalled that structured buyer-seller meets in Jammu and Srinagar were initially pushed during his tenure in the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry to reconnect local producers with national and international markets.The Chief Minister pointed out that nearly 98 percent of Jammu and Kashmir’s exports currently originate from just four districts, leaving enormous untapped potential across the rest of the region.
He emphasized that achieving future export targets requires transforming rural entrepreneurs and underserved regions into active exporters. He noted that the presence of international buyers offers an invaluable opportunity for local producers to understand evolving consumer preferences, adapt their products to global demand, and enhance competitiveness.
He concluded by praising the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative for adding a personal dimension to the region’s world-renowned products, expressing optimism that the event would foster lasting commercial partnerships.