Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government believes facilitating trade across the Line of Control would not just benefit local residents across Jammu and Kashmir, but also help strengthen the state's economy.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed this sentiment recently when he said he realizes the apprehension of both the Jammu as well as the Kashmir business chambers over  the slow pace of LOC trade.

Abdullah said LOC trade between India and Pakistan could prove very helpful for the State. Both countries could also derive maximum benefit from this trade and it could be made more serious and fruitful.

The chief minsiter, during his interaction with the President and office bearer of the newly elected body of Jammu Chamber of Commerce, headed by Y.V. Sharma, said that it was globally acknowledged fact that trade was the backbone of economy.

“The routes in both the Jammu as well as in Kashmir have been opened for this trade, can be utilized for all kind of trade so that the people of our state are able to take benefit, which will automatically help the people of both the countries to reap the benefits of this trade,” he said.

Abdullah also assured the business chambers that his government would play its key role in expanding industrial estates in the state where new entrepreneurs could set up their units. He said with the maximum investment in industrial sector and economic field in the state, the
large number of youth who have got expertise in various professional fields can be properly utilized.

Abdullah assured the chamber that the government would  provide all kind of support in both provinces for proper expansion of Industrial set up, so that our State regains its position on the Industrial Map which it was commanding two decades earlier.

The Traders Association of Jammu also called on Abdullah and discussed various issues pertaining to their fraternity.

Abdullah appreciated the approach of the traders of Jammu who are keen to provide best customer service to the people and also play their key role in enriching the economy of the state.