Srinagar, June 30, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, marking a significant step toward empowering local craftspersons by fostering market linkages and enhancing exposure for the region’s renowned handicraft industry. Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), the event is the first in a series of seven planned meets aimed at connecting artisans with national and international buyers to drive economic growth and promote Kashmiri craftsmanship.
A Platform for Artisans’ Economic Empowerment
The Buyer-Seller Meet brought together craftspersons, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and buyers from across India and abroad to explore opportunities for collaboration and trade. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the transformative potential of such initiatives, stating, “The Buyer-Seller Meet is just the beginning. With six more planned, we’re building lasting market linkages and opening new doors for our craftspersons.”
The event showcased a diverse range of Jammu and Kashmir’s iconic handicrafts, including Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, papier-mâché, woodwork, and embroidery, which are celebrated globally for their intricate designs and cultural significance. By facilitating direct interactions between artisans and buyers, the meet aims to ensure better pricing, eliminate middlemen, and enhance the global competitiveness of Kashmiri crafts.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 |
| Organizer | Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) |
| Venue | Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar |
| Objective | Create market linkages for craftspersons, boost exports, and empower MSMEs |
| Future Plans | Six additional buyer-seller meets planned |
| Key Products | Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, papier-mâché, woodwork, embroidery |
Strategic Push for Handicraft Sector Growth
Speaking at the event, CM Omar Abdullah highlighted the need for sustained efforts to strengthen the handicraft sector, a vital contributor to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. “We will get to know about how much boost we will be getting after the Buyer-Seller Meet. Only one buyer-seller meet will not solve everything, but it will help,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of the planned series of events to create a robust ecosystem for artisans.
The Chief Minister announced that 12 such events will be held across the region to maximize market access and exposure for craftspersons, ensuring they benefit from direct trade opportunities. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a global hub for handicrafts and handlooms, leveraging its rich cultural heritage to drive economic prosperity.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also attended the event, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to supporting artisans and MSMEs. The presence of senior officials and industry stakeholders underscored the collaborative approach to revitalizing the handicraft sector.
| Objective | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Market Linkages | Direct connections between artisans and buyers, reducing reliance on middlemen |
| Export Growth | Increased global demand for Kashmiri handicrafts |
| MSME Empowerment | Enhanced procurement and business opportunities for local artisans |
| Economic Upliftment | Improved livelihoods for craftspersons and sustainable sector growth |
Building a Sustainable Future for Kashmiri Crafts
The Buyer-Seller Meet is part of a broader strategy to address challenges faced by artisans, such as limited market access, lack of modern marketing platforms, and competition from machine-made products. By organizing such events, the JKTPO aims to provide craftspersons with access to e-commerce platforms, international trade fairs, and modern marketing tools to enhance their reach.
The initiative draws inspiration from similar successful models in other states, such as Tamil Nadu’s biannual reverse buyer-seller meets, which have boosted MSME exports by facilitating international market access. Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft sector, which employs thousands of artisans, stands to benefit significantly from such structured interventions.
Community and Industry Response
The event has generated significant buzz on social media, with posts on X highlighting its potential to transform the livelihoods of craftspersons. Local media outlets, including Rising Kashmir and Gulistan News, praised the government’s proactive approach, noting that the series of buyer-seller meets could position Jammu and Kashmir as a leader in India’s handicraft exports.
Artisans expressed optimism about the opportunities presented by the meet, with many hopeful that direct buyer interactions would lead to long-term contracts and fairer pricing. The administration’s focus on organizing multiple events signals a long-term commitment to sustaining these gains.
