JAMMU, Dec 9: Member Parliament and PDP President, Ms Mehbooba Mufti today called on Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman and discussed various issues pertaining to promotion of entrepreneurship and industrial activity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ms Mehbooba sought the intervention of the Union Minister for extension of all the incentives to the industrial sector in Jammu and Kashmir which have been provided to the Northeastern states of the country. She said given the topography of J&K and its difficult terrain, entrepreneurship and industrial activity can be promoted and expanded in the State by extending incentives which are in vogue in the Northeastern region.

Ms Mehbooba also called for setting up International Trade Facilitation Centres (ITFC) at Salamabad, Chakan-da-Bagh, Samba and Pampore to promote intra-state, inter-state and cross-LoC trade.

She sought Union Commerce & Industry Ministry’s help in establishing more Skill and Entrepreneur Development Institutes in the State especially in Jammu and Ladakh regions.

Ms Mehbooba also sought the Centre’s help for revival of Silk Factory Rajbagh and Government Woolen Mills Bemina to preserve and promote the heritage crafts of Kashmir. She said the skill enhancement in Bat Making Industry also has the huge employment potential in the State.

Ms Mehbooba said the expansion of entrepreneurial activity in the State, especially in new and upcoming areas would not only stabilize the local economy, but also create ample income generating and employment avenues for the local youth.

She also sought the intervention of the Union Minister in settling all the pending VRS cases of HMT employees following the closure of its unit in Srinagar.

The Union Minister assured Ms Mehbooba that the Centre would help the State Government to establish a specialized skill development institute for making quality bats within the State. She also assured Ms Mehbooba that the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry would not only welcome innovative ideas from JK’s entrepreneurs but will go all out in helping them establish units in new sectors with huge market demand.

Earlier Ms Mehbooba also called on the Union Railway Minister, Mr Suresh Prabhu and sought his intervention in starting more trains on Baramulla-Banihal segment.

The Minister assured her that four more train-services are going to be added on Baramulla-Banihal segment shortly. He also said that a special bogey for tourists is also being deployed on the said sector to promote tourism activity in the State.