Buyer-Seller Meets: Time For Long-Term Partnerships

The Jammu and Kashmir International Buyer-Seller Meet, which brought together more than 25 international buyers, over 15 national buyers and more than 80 exhibitors from over 12 countries, is a welcome affirmation that Kashmir’s craftsmanship still commands global attention. But the true significance of this event lies not in the numbers it attracted, but in the intent behind it. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s message was refreshingly candid. Organising buyer-seller meets is meaningless, he said, if we tie one hand behind the backs of entrepreneurs with unnecessary permissions, delays and inspections. That admission—that governance itself can be an obstacle to enterprise—is a sign of maturity. And the government has acted on it. The Ease of Doing Business legislation introduced in the Assembly promises time-bound approvals, deemed clearance where action is delayed, reduced inspections, and the decriminalisation of minor procedural lapses. These are practical reforms that allow businesses to breathe. Equally important is the Chief Minister’s emphasis on authenticity. “If something is sold in the name of Kashmir, it should be made in the hands of the people of Kashmir,” he said. This is about more than brand protection. It is about ensuring that the benefits of trade reach the artisans, weavers and craftspeople whose skills give these products their value. Strengthening Geographical Indication protection is not a bureaucratic exercise; it is an economic imperative. What Kashmir needs now is continuity. One successful meet does not build an export economy. Sustained relationships, repeat orders and long-term market access are what will truly transform the region’s handicraft and agro-food sectors. The Chief Minister’s call for buyers and sellers to build lasting partnerships rather than one-off deals deserves to be taken seriously. Kashmir’s artisans have never lacked talent. What they have lacked is access, support and a level playing field. This event, combined with the Government’s reformist push, suggests that both are finally being addressed. That is a reason for genuine optimism.