J&K govt to construct ITC to boost handicraft sector

To rejuvenate and boost the handicraft and horticulture sector, Jammu and Kashmir government today approved construction of International Trade Centre (ITC) in Pulwama district at an estimated cost of Rs 47.92 crore. "This prestigious project shall come up on an area of 371 kanals (18.55 hectares) of land which will have all the latest facilities under one roof," Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Shailendra Kumar said chairing a meeting of officers here. He said the idea of establishing ITC at Sempora near Pampore, 16 km from here, is to expose the local traders and trades like handicraft items, agriculture and horticulture products to international markets which could promise bigger income to the entrepreneurs. Elaborating on the project, he said ITC would provide facilities for organising trade fairs, conferences, business events, and economic forums and exhibitions. "It will be more than a marketing tool as the entire market place is at one's fingertips," he said. Kumar said the Centre would also provide an excellent opportunity to assess opinions from clients and determine market potential and conduct research. The Business Centre would function as the main interface between the exporters of the state and overseas markets, he said, adding it would promote export to Middle East and South East Asia. The ITC would also network with Indian export marts to attract buyers here to place orders with exporters, he said.