The recently concluded J&K International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025, held at the iconic SKICC in Srinagar, has sent a clear and timely message: Jammu and Kashmir is not only proud of its heritage, but also ready to embrace a future of economic empowerment led by its artisans and entrepreneurs. Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) in collaboration with the Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) and supported under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme of the Ministry of MSME, the event was more than a trade engagement—it was a bridge connecting centuries of skilled craftsmanship with today’s global markets.
The theme “Skilled Hands to Global Markets” encapsulated the larger vision of the event: to reposition Kashmir’s traditional industries and creators at the heart of international trade dialogues. With more than 100 sellers and over 45 buyers from seven countries and seven Indian states, the event showcased an impressive range of wool and woollen products that bore testimony to the region’s legacy of fine artistry and innovation. But beyond the exquisite shawls, rugs, and garments displayed, it was the intent behind the event that stood out—reviving the lost connect between buyer and creator that once thrived organically through tourism and traditional trade routes. Today, the challenge lies in creating structured and sustained channels for these creators, especially in a world where artisans increasingly find themselves disconnected from real-time markets due to digital divides, financial constraints, and logistical barriers. The buyer-seller meet, therefore, marks a vital turning point. It reflects the government’s realization that promoting heritage alone is not enough; there must be structural platforms that empower artisans economically, give them direct access to buyers, and eliminate middlemen who often take disproportionate credit and profit. A notable highlight of the event was the government’s commitment to organizing six regular buyer-seller meets and six reverse meets under the scheme—indicating that this was not a one-off affair but part of a broader and thoughtful policy strategy. This sustained engagement will go a long way in exposing local artisans to the ever-evolving demands of global markets while helping them stay competitive through design innovation, process improvements, and targeted support in the form of raw material banks, colour banks, and technology intervention. However, the journey from traditional craft to modern enterprise cannot succeed unless it is inclusive. The emphasis on ensuring that first-time entrepreneurs and financially weaker artisans find a place on such platforms is crucial. These individuals possess immense talent but often lack access, exposure, and voice. Giving them a seat at the table is not only a matter of equity—it is smart economics. By including diverse creators, the trade ecosystem becomes richer, more representative, and more resilient. It was heartening to see dignitaries, national stakeholders, and international buyers come together in genuine appreciation of the artisans’ work. Many of the products showcased at the event were not mass-produced commodities but labours of love, some taking years to complete. They were rich with stories, heritage, and skill passed down through generations. When buyers purchase these products, they are not just acquiring merchandise—they are investing in history, culture, and livelihoods. The emotional connect established through such direct interaction is hard to replicate through catalogues or online marketplaces alone. This event also provides a model for future policy direction. J&K’s artisan sector needs long-term visioning, not just seasonal promotion. It requires an ecosystem where creators are supported with design institutes, digital literacy programs, market intelligence, and soft loans that allow them to scale their craft without losing its soul. The proposed innovation centers and infrastructure support are promising in this regard, but they must be implemented swiftly and efficiently.
Finally, the buyer-seller meet was also an invitation to the world to re-engage with Kashmir—not just as a destination of scenic beauty, but as a thriving hub of culture, creativity, and commerce. When buyers travel to Srinagar and return with both products and memories, they become ambassadors for a region that is ready to reintroduce itself to the global economy—not with loud declarations, but with quiet strength and enduring artistry. In a time when global supply chains often overlook the artisan in favour of the automated, events like these remind us of the value of the handmade and the human. Kashmir’s hands have always been skilled—it’s time the world sees what they can create when given the right platform.