Agencies
WASHINGTON, Dec 11: A business delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, the first ever from the state to visit the US, met officials from the State and Commerce departments here to explore the possibilities of enhanced trade with the country.
The delegation led by Waseem Trumboo, executive director of Trumboo Industries Pvt Ltd, comprises of young business leaders that own or operate small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) across a wide spectrum of industries.
Travelling under the initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the delegation among other things impressed upon the State Department to withdrawal the US government-issued travel advisories to J&K, as has been done by countries like Germany, Japan and Britain.
"This is the first ever business delegation we are bringing from Jammu and Kashmir. Young entrepreneurs in the State are ready to look out for promoting international trade, expansions, partnerships and learn from various technological advancements that exist globally," Trumboo said.
"The idea is to promote growth of our local economy and this step will go long way in that direction. This also speaks volumes about how drastically the entrepreneurial spirit as well as the industrial environment is changing in the state," Trumboo said.
The delegation would continue with its meetings in Washington including an interaction with the members of the US India Business Council.
During their US trip, from December 10 to 17, the business leaders would also travel to New York, California and Colorado.
In California, the delegates will meet the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and explore logistics involved in hydro power in Los Angeles area dams.
In Colorado, the delegation will hold meetings and site visits in Denver and Aspen to learn about the infrastructure developed for tourism.
"This is a great opportunity to promote destination Kashmir and to create awareness about all that the state has to offer in terms of unique natural resources and adventure tourism potential," said Asif Iqbal Burza, director Senator Inns Pvt Ltd and Ahad Hotels and Resorts.
The mission will end with a meeting with the New York City Economic Development Council and other interactions in New York.
"The delegation to the United States is a welcome step that will help the growth of entrepreneurial culture in Jammu and Kashmir.
"We are also planning to take similar business development and learning delegations to Germany, Switzerland, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Australia in next 2-3 years," said Sheikh Imran, director, Kashmir SunSilk Industries Pvt Ltd. |
