A two-day promotional event themed, ‘Vanijya Utsav’ was organised to promote the commercial potential of Ladakh’s local products on September 21 and 22 at Hotel Grand Dragon Leh.
 
The event was organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce in collaboration with Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), Ministry of Textile, GoI.
 
On an inaugural day, MoS Home, Ajay Kumar Mishra was the chief guest and L-G R.K Mathur was the guest of honour. 
 
Young entrepreneurs from Ladakh exhibited the local products. 
 
Addressing the gathering, MoS Home, Ajay Kumar Mishra said, “Ladakh does not lack any sort of potential and capability. The civilization, culture and knowledge of Ladakh could teach the world many things. The presentations of pashmina and sea buckthorn are just a symbol. The land is full of opportunities along with difficulties and challenges”.
 
“Ladakh could be an ideal state if it had got opportunities like connectivity and other platforms earlier. Under J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, we are thinking of 50 thousand crores worth of infrastructure development to develop the region. We are also looking for the possibility of establishing an airport at Kargil like Leh. Our efforts regarding cargo, technical support and export of local produce will continue’, he added.
 
He stressed the potential of Ladakhi handloom, handicrafts and other sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, food processing etc. He assured that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi who has envisioned the concept ‘Vocal for Local’, Ladakh will be provided with all required support to project its potential at the national and international level.
 
 
LG Mathur said, “In the past two years of UT we have identified what should be the developmental strategy for Ladakh. With Prime Minister’s vision, we have decided to go for carbon-neutral Ladakh. We are focusing on the primary sector be it agriculture, horticulture or animals for now. We cannot focus on exploiting the mines, minerals and big industries”.
 
The young entrepreneurs are a big asset for Ladakh as they are very talented and professional, he added.
 
CEC, Tashi Gyalson said, “After UT status first-generation entrepreneurs have got a platform for their products. From the exhibition it is clear that Ladakh has potential to export its products even at international level”. 
 
He stressed on requirement of a single-window system to connect local entrepreneurs and foreign customers. 
“At council level, we are establishing a stall at KBR airport, where the products of entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) will be displayed. In addition, we are developing a park on the pattern of Delhi Haat at the heart of Leh city to display the products of remote entrepreneurs and SHGs”, he informed.
 
MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal said, “Granting Ladakh a UT status was not only a historic but a bold step. UT Administration is working in the direction of PM’s vision like Vocal for local, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and One District One product in Ladakh”.
 
Mozes Kunsang, Director, Department of Industries and Commerce said, “Historically Ladakh used to be the part of silk route as an important entry point to Tibet, China and Central Asia. We can revive it as we have several products but for time being we are focusing on ‘one district one product’ which include pashmina, apricot and sea buckthorn.” 
 
Advisor to LG Umang Narula; Divisional Commissioner, Saugat Biswas; Principle Secretary, Pawan Kotwal, and DC Leh were present on the occasion.