Srinagar, October 13, 2025 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed his government’s resolve to overcome infrastructural challenges and create a business-friendly ecosystem to attract greater investment and strengthen the manufacturing base in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at an interactive session with the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said that the government is making a “conscious effort” to address key bottlenecks and position J&K as a promising investment destination.
The session was attended by FIEO President S.C. Ralhan, Vice President Shrikant Kapoor, DG & CEO Ajay Sahai, regional chairpersons, board members, and other senior representatives from India’s export sector.
Welcoming the delegation, Omar Abdullah described the FIEO’s decision to hold its Board of Management meeting in Srinagar as an “important vote of confidence” in Jammu and Kashmir’s economic potential.
“Your presence here is very reassuring for us. J&K has always valued its association with India’s trade and export community,” he said.
Outlining his government’s roadmap, the Chief Minister said that investment promotion and manufacturing revival remain core priorities.
“We are trying to address infrastructure gaps and attract more investment and manufacturing into Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the constraints, we are committed to creating an enabling environment for business growth,” he added.
Omar Abdullah emphasized that the government aims to leverage J&K’s inherent strengths in sectors like agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals, IT services, and electronics.
He underlined that confidence-building remains crucial for economic recovery.
“Confidence is one of the most vital elements for business, and regrettably, Jammu and Kashmir has been deprived of it for the past 30 to 35 years. We are doing everything possible to ensure this lack of confidence does not define our future,” he asserted.
Despite the challenges, the Chief Minister noted that the local economy continues to show resilience, projecting that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Union Territory could grow by 10–11% this year.
However, he acknowledged that sectors like tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts have been adversely affected by recent disruptions, impacting overall exports and livelihoods.
The Chief Minister reiterated his vision to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a hub for MSMEs and high-value, low-volume industries, recalling that before the onset of militancy in 1989, the region was emerging as a center for high-tech manufacturing.
“We believe those sectors remain ripe for revitalization. With competitive electricity rates, an educated young workforce, and favourable policies, J&K has the right ingredients for industrial renewal,” he said.
Concluding his address, Omar Abdullah thanked the FIEO leadership for choosing Srinagar as their meeting venue, calling it a positive step toward changing the perception of J&K as a risky business destination.
“Your presence here sends a strong message that Jammu and Kashmir is open for business and ready to move forward,” he said.
