Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday inaugurated the two-day Jammu and Kashmir International Buyer-Seller Meet 2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a globally competitive export hub. The event, organised jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, brings together more than 30 international and national buyers from over 14 countries for direct engagement with local producers, artisans and entrepreneurs.
The meet marks a significant step in the region’s efforts to broaden its export base beyond a handful of districts and connect its rich artisanal heritage with global markets. More than 100 handicrafts, handloom and agro-food products from across Jammu and Kashmir are on display, accompanied by over 20 live demonstrations under the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative, which enables buyers to meet the craftsmen whose skill and dedication bring these products to life.
Addressing delegates, Chief Minister Abdullah recalled that nearly 98 per cent of Jammu and Kashmir’s exports currently originate from just four districts, leaving vast potential untapped across the rest of the region. He stressed that achieving the ambitious export targets set for the coming years would require not only supporting established exporters but also creating a new generation of exporters from rural and underserved communities. The buyer-seller meet, he said, provides a direct and effective mechanism for connecting emerging producers with international buyers.
Abdullah spoke candidly about the disruption caused to the region’s traditional export model by prolonged periods of instability. He recalled that Jammu and Kashmir had historically relied on tourists visiting the region as its primary channel for product exports, with visitors returning home as informal ambassadors of Kashmiri craftsmanship. Changing circumstances had compelled artisans and producers to seek markets actively rather than wait for buyers to come to them, and this edition of the meet reflects that adaptation.
Highlighting the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative as one of the defining features of this year’s event, Abdullah said it goes beyond showcasing finished products by creating a personal connection between buyers and the craftsmen behind the creations. He observed that while a handcrafted shawl or carpet tells its own story, meeting the artisan who made it adds a dimension that enhances the product’s appeal and value in international markets.
The event was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary for Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh, FIEO Chief Executive Ajay Sahai, J&K TPO Managing Director Sudarshan Kumar and senior officers alongside exporters, artisans and foreign trade delegates.
