Srinagar, June 29 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the conflict involving Iran has not ended despite a ceasefire understanding, expressing hope that both sides will use the agreed two-week period constructively to ensure a permanent end to hostilities.
Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of the event at SKICC, as per news agency JKNS, Omar Abdullah said the two-day meet has brought together artisans, self-help groups, agricultural producer organisations, start-ups, entrepreneurs and international buyers on one platform.
He said participants from Africa, Australia, North America, Europe and Asia have attended the event, providing local producers an opportunity to explore new international markets.
Asked whether recent global conflicts had affected foreign participation, Omar said he could not compare expected participation with actual attendance but noted that representation from around 15-16 countries and nearly 40 foreign buyers reflected encouraging international interest.
“We hope those who could not come because of the conflict will participate in future editions,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said the buyer-seller meet includes training and awareness sessions to help existing exporters as well as aspiring exporters understand export procedures, government assistance and subsidy schemes.
“The idea is not only that existing exporters export more, but that people who have not exported until now also begin exporting,” Omar said.
Replying to a question on the Iran-Israel situation and its possible impact on tourism, the Chief Minister observed that only a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed and the conflict had not fully ended.
“There is a difference between an MoU and a final agreement. We hope both countries use this period wisely and the war comes to an end,” he said.
On tourism in Kashmir, Omar Abdullah urged people not to focus excessively on tourist numbers.
“Don’t look at the numbers. People are coming, hotels are full, there are traffic jams and people are earning. Let them earn. If we keep putting pressure on numbers, we end up hurting ourselves,” he said, adding that the overall tourism situation should be assessed after the season concludes. (JKNS)