Advocate Javed Hubi, a senior leader of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom. He termed the move as a significant step toward strengthening India’s trade relations and opening new avenues for economic growth.
Hubi expressed optimism that the FTA will directly benefit the Kashmir apple industry, which he described as the backbone of the region’s economy. “The deal has the potential to boost exports of Kashmiri apples to international markets, providing much-needed relief to orchardists and horticulture-based businesses,” he said.
He emphasized the urgent need to mobilize government agencies to ensure the region fully capitalizes on this opportunity. “The Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department must be put to task immediately to facilitate and streamline the export process for Kashmiri apples under the new FTA framework,” Hubi added.
He concluded by saying that proper planning and execution at the policy level can transform Kashmir's horticulture sector into a global brand and secure the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on it.