The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom as a progressive and strategic step that will deepen bilateral economic ties, create new opportunities for Indian exports, and boost the global competitiveness of traditional industries in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chamber has particularly commended the Government of India for its decision to exclude apples from the list of tariff concessions under the agreement. This decision, KCCI said, reflects a sensitive and informed understanding of the structural vulnerabilities of Kashmir’s horticulture sector. Apple cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir supports the livelihoods of over 3 million people and forms the backbone of the rural economy. Any abrupt exposure to international competition—particularly from heavily subsidised foreign producers—could have had serious consequences for local growers.
KCCI had earlier raised this concern directly with the Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, during his visit to Kashmir, and had requested the protection of the sector in ongoing trade negotiations. The Chamber is pleased that the Government has taken note and acted accordingly.
At the same time, KCCI has lauded the inclusion of products such as pashmina, saffron, and Kashmiri willow under the FTA's tariff list, which is expected to ease access for these traditional goods into the UK market. This development could significantly benefit artisans, growers, and sports goods manufacturers in the region.
The Chamber emphasised that the agreement presents a timely opportunity to expand exports in sectors where Kashmir has historic and competitive strengths, particularly in handicrafts and handlooms. The UK has traditionally been an important market for Kashmiri crafts. These products are not only emblematic of centuries-old artisanal excellence but also serve as vital sources of employment and women-led income generation across rural areas.
While supporting the broader objectives of trade liberalisation, KCCI reiterated its appeal to the Government of India to continue treating Kashmiri horticulture produce as sensitive in all future trade negotiations. The Chamber stressed that any shift in tariff protection must follow systemic domestic reforms and infrastructure upgrades.
KCCI reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and other relevant bodies to ensure that the interests of Kashmir’s traditional sectors are safeguarded and promoted in global markets. With a calibrated and inclusive trade strategy, the India–UK FTA can become a catalyst for transforming the export landscape for Jammu and Kashmir’s artisans, farmers, and producers.