Srinagar, June 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the two-day Jammu and Kashmir International Buyer-Seller Meet 2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), reaffirming the government’s commitment to positioning J&K as a globally competitive export hub.

The event is being organised by the J&K Trade Promotion Organisation (J&K TPO) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). It has brought together over 30 international and national buyers from more than 14 countries, along with artisans, exporters, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and entrepreneurs from across the Union Territory.
The exhibition features over 100 handicraft, handloom, and agro-based products, along with live demonstrations under the “Know Your Artisan” initiative, which highlights the craftsmanship behind J&K’s traditional products and enables direct interaction between buyers and artisans.
After inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls, including those set up by women SHGs and foreign delegations, and appreciated efforts to strengthen global trade linkages.
Addressing participants, Omar Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir has historically been a strong export region, with artisans traditionally relying on visiting buyers and tourists to market their products. However, he noted that changing circumstances and a decline in tourism had forced local producers to seek new markets beyond the region.
He said structured buyer-seller meets were earlier initiated during his tenure in the Union Commerce Ministry to reconnect local producers with national and international markets, and added that the current edition marks a significant expansion by including rural entrepreneurs and women SHGs.
Highlighting export concentration in only a few districts, the Chief Minister said nearly 98 percent of J&K’s exports originate from just four districts, leaving vast untapped potential elsewhere. He stressed the need to create a wider base of exporters by empowering rural and underserved regions.
Omar Abdullah said the participation of buyers from over 14 countries offers valuable exposure to global market trends, enabling local producers to adapt to international demand and improve competitiveness.
He described the “Know Your Artisan” initiative as a key feature of the event, noting that personal interaction between buyers and artisans enhances the value and global appeal of handcrafted products.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the event would help build long-term business partnerships, expand export opportunities, and diversify J&K’s export basket.
Senior officials, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Industries and Commerce Commissioner Secretary Vikramjit Singh, FIEO CEO Ajay Sahai, and J&K TPO MD Sudarshan Kumar, attended the event along with exporters, artisans, SHGs, and international delegates.