Exclusive Interview with the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Tariq Ghani, on Business Development and G20 Implications

Mufferah Majeed Khuroo

Srinagar, Jul 14: In a candid and insightful interview, Tariq Ghani, the esteemed President of the Chamber of Commerce, shed light on various business development issues and the transformative changes brought about after the recent G20 meeting. Ghani, known for his extensive expertise and influential role in the business community, provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of global commerce.

One of the major points emphasized by Ghani was the positive impact of the G20 on Kashmir’s economy. He highlighted a significant change that emerged from the G20 meeting, which was the alteration of the negative perception regarding the safety of foreign tourists in Kashmir. Ghani firmly believed that this change would result in an increase in foreign tourist arrivals to the region, offering a promising opportunity for the local economy.
Acknowledging the turbulent state of the business sector in Kashmir, particularly the tourism industry, over the past 35 years, Ghani pointed out that recent years have witnessed a notable upturn in the tourism sector. Despite these positive developments, he noted that local businesses continue to face challenges, including liabilities such as bank loans. In this regard, Ghani urged the honorable Lieutenant Governor (LG) to address these issues, expressing gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha for his efforts. Moreover, he encouraged the local population to support offline shopping within the union territory, emphasizing the importance of promoting local businesses and reducing reliance on online shopping. Ghani suggested resorting to online purchases only when specific items are not available offline in the market.
Regarding financial assistance for individuals burdened by loans, Ghani called upon banks to provide support to those struggling with loan repayments. He stressed the moral responsibility to help citizens and expressed his intention to bring concerns about shops being demolished during the Mufti Syed regime to the attention of the LG and the Home Minister.
Touching upon the Smart City project, Ghani acknowledged the challenges faced by shopkeepers, particularly in the Polo View and Lal Chowk markets. He stated that the project’s completion deadline is set for June 2024 and urged people to exercise patience and look forward to the positive changes it will bring.
In response to a question about the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), President Tariq Ghani also highlighted the Chamber of Commerce’s initiatives to support business development. Ghani extended his message to entrepreneurs, requesting that they reach out for assistance whenever needed. He provided a helpline number (9419008748) for entrepreneurs to contact and seek support.
In summary, Tariq Ghani’s exclusive interview shed light on the positive changes anticipated in Kashmir’s economy as a result of the G20 meeting. He called for support to boost tourism, assistance to local businesses, and patience regarding the ongoing Smart City project. Furthermore, Ghani stressed the importance of entrepreneurs seeking help when necessary and provided a helpline number for their convenience. With his extensive knowledge and influential position, Ghani’s insights carry significant weight in shaping the business landscape of Kashmir and fostering economic growth in the region.