Kashmir Chamber Welcomes India–UK FTA, Hails Apple Protection and Boost for Traditional Kashmiri Exports

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom, calling it a “progressive and strategic step” that will deepen bilateral economic ties, boost Indian exports, and enhance the global competitiveness of traditional industries in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry elected its new leadership on February 22, 2023.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chamber particularly commended the Government of India’s decision to exclude apples from the list of tariff concessions under the FTA. The Chamber said this exclusion reflects a “sensitive and informed” recognition of the structural vulnerabilities in Kashmir’s horticulture sector.

Apple cultivation, which sustains the livelihoods of over 3 million people across Jammu and Kashmir, forms the backbone of the rural economy. KCCI warned that any abrupt exposure of this sector to global competition—especially from heavily subsidised international producers—could have led to severe consequences for local growers. The Chamber had previously raised these concerns with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal during his visit to Kashmir and had urged for protective measures in the FTA negotiations.

“We are pleased that the Government has listened and acted in the interest of our growers,” the statement said.

At the same time, the Chamber lauded the inclusion of iconic Kashmiri products—such as pashmina, saffron, and cricket bat willow—under the list of items set to benefit from eased access to the UK market. KCCI noted that this development holds promise for artisans, farmers, and sports goods manufacturers in the region.

The UK has traditionally been a receptive market for Kashmiri handicrafts and handlooms, products that represent centuries-old artisanal heritage and remain a vital source of employment and income, especially among women in rural areas. The Chamber believes that the new trade framework will expand opportunities for Kashmiri exporters in these high-value sectors.

While expressing support for trade liberalisation in principle, the Chamber reiterated its call for Kashmir’s horticultural produce to continue being treated as sensitive in all future international trade agreements. KCCI underlined that any rollback in tariff protection should be preceded by comprehensive domestic reforms and infrastructure upgrades to prepare the sector for global competition.

The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Government of India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and other relevant bodies to ensure that Kashmir’s traditional industries are not only protected but actively promoted in international markets.

“With a calibrated and inclusive approach, the India–UK Free Trade Agreement has the potential to transform the export landscape for Jammu and Kashmir’s artisans, farmers, and producers,” the KCCI said.

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