Balanced industrial development ultimate goal: Azad

Srinagar, May 10 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the ultimate goal of the state's new industrial policy is to bring every feasible area under the ambit of industrialisation and trade activities.

To translate the policy into action and ensure balanced growth and development of the industries, the state government has decided to have separate directorates of industry for the two divisions of Jammu and Kashmir, added the chief minister while inaugurating the 53rd Industrial and Handicrafts Exhibition at Kashmir Haat here.

Mr Azad said industrial and handicrafts exhibitions play a vital role in enhancing trade relations between local entrepreneurs and those from outside the state. It also provides opportunity to visitors and tourists to know about the products manufactured in the state.

Outlining the fillip it provides, Mr Azad said these exhibitions help boost marketing among visiting tourists as well as provide amusement and entertainment to the people.

The chief minister said he had suggested last year for holding of these exhibitions in Srinagar and Jammu twice in the season instead of once, as was the practice in the past.

Mr Azad emphasised the need for keeping tourist informed about the time and venue of such exhibitions so that they can visit, purchase items of their interests and convey the message to people in their states about the products manufactured in Jammu and Kashmir.

He urged every tourist destination, hotels, houseboats and tourist rest-houses should distribute pamphlets, folders, bills, etc about these exhibitions among the visiting tourists.

Later, Chief Minister visited all the 30 stalls installed by local entrepreneurs showcasing their products.

He also visited the stalls installed by various government departments including handicrafts, horticulture, agriculture, industries, horticulture (P and M), handlooms, information, forests, animal and sheep husbandry.

The Directorate of Industries organized a colourful cultural bonanza in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Cultural and Languages and Information Department on the occasion which was witnessed by Chairman Handicrafts Development Corporation Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Basharat Ahmad, IGP Kashmir, Secretary Cultural Academy Rafeeq Masoodi, senior officers and large number of general public.

UNI