The valley takes center stage in the economic landscape as the Weekly Kashmir Central Conclave, in collaboration with the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) and India-Africa Trade Council (IATC), kicks off a momentous event aimed at fostering economic development, trade, and investment in the region.
The conclave, held at Niryat Bhawan, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers, Ambassadors and Defence experts to discuss and strategize the potential avenues for growth and development in Kashmir. The event serves as a platform for collaboration and dialogue to unlock the untapped potential of the region.
The event was held in two sessions with different themes and diverse panelists. The first session was based on “Strenghtening longstanding ties for trade and development” on which eminent panelists had threadbare discussions. The panelists include, Dr. Nishakant Ojha, Eminent Defence Expert and Advisor Counter Terrorism for West Asia & Middle East; Shri Anil Trigunayat IFS(Retd), to Jordan, Libya & Malta; Shri Mohd. Amin, Former Joint Director, Election Commission of India; Major Gen. Sanjay Soi, International Affairs and Defence Expert, HE Bikram Pandey Kaaji, International Goodwill Ambassador and Mr. Bashir Assad, Editor, Kashmir Central. The session was moderated by Venus Upadhaya, Senior Reporter India and South Asia, Epoch Times.
The second session was moderated by Prof. (Dr). D.K Giri, Secretary General, Association for Democratic Socialism. He introduced audience with the panelists, Mrs Manorama, Vice President India Kashmir Samaj; Mr. Shams Khwaja, from Constitutional Law Lab; Mr. Shaikh Ashiq Ahmed, Former President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry; – Mr Samir Shah, Chairman, Information & Communications Technology Association, – Mr. J.K. Dadoo, IAS (Retd.), Former Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Govt of India; and Mr. Abdul Salam Ibrahim. The panelists debated on “Trade and Commercial outlook viz-a-viz, Kashmir”.
Question and Answer session were organized after the culmination of each session. The national news channel “NewsX” was the media partner of the event.
Key Highlights of the Kashmir Central Conclave:
Strategic Partnerships: The conclave witnessed the forging of strategic partnerships between government bodies, private enterprises, and international organizations. These partnerships aim to catalyze economic growth and promote sustainable development in Kashmir.
Investment Opportunities: Delegates explored diverse investment opportunities across sectors such as tourism, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. The conclave showcased the immense potential for investors to contribute to the economic upliftment of Kashmir.
Validating that Article 370 abrogation opened the floodgates of investment but the grass root development is need of the hour to bring forth true overwhelming economic benefit.
Policy Framework: Panelists engaged in insightful discussions to formulate a comprehensive policy framework that will encourage business-friendly initiatives, streamline regulatory processes, and facilitate ease of doing business in the region.
Innovation and Technology: Emphasis was placed on leveraging innovation and technology to drive economic progress. Discussions centered on harnessing the power of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies to propel Kashmir into a new era of economic prosperity.
Cultural Exchange: Recognizing the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, the conclave also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in promoting tourism and fostering a deeper understanding of the region.
IETO head, Asif Iqbal while welcoming guests said, “IETO is proud to be a part of this transformative initiative. By joining hands with the Kashmir Central Conclave, we are committed to fostering economic growth and trade relations that will benefit both the local communities and the larger Indian economy”.
On the occasion while addressing the note of thanks, Bashir Assad extended his heartfelt gratitude to the audience and speakers who made the gathering successfully by their presence. He further added, “The Kashmir Central Conclave marks a significant milestone in our efforts to unlock the economic potential of the region. Through collaboration and strategic partnerships, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem that benefits the people of Kashmir and contributes to the overall prosperity of the nation.”
Guests were felicitated at the end of the event. Noted personalities who made momentous contributions in the field of heritage conservation and policy making were felicitated on the occasion which includes Shri Ravinder Pandita, Head Save Sharda Committee and others.
