Srinagar, Feb 3: Tariq Ghani, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK), welcomed the India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), calling it a transformative boost for Kashmir’s handmade carpet and handicraft industry. The agreement addresses long-standing tariff barriers affecting Kashmiri exporters, particularly in the US, the largest market for India’s handmade carpets.

Ghani thanked the Government of India for its diplomatic efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, expressing hope for further easing of trade barriers. CCIK noted that while India–EU and India–UK agreements had offered partial relief, the India–US FTA is particularly significant, reducing tariffs from 50% to 18%.
The organization highlighted that the industry is closing the financial year positively and anticipates growth in exports and artisan incomes, benefiting nearly 2.5 million craftsmen across India. CCIK reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the government to maximize the impact of trade agreements on the sector.