In a significant development for the Union Territory, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Jammu Kashmir Food Processing and Wellness Conclave in Jammu today.
The two-day event, organised by J&K Trade Promotion Organisation, aimed to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the hospitality, wellness, and food processing sectors to explore investment opportunities and foster collaboration.
During the event, J&K SICOP and Apollo Hospital exchanged a land deed for the establishment of Apollo Hospital in the region. Lt Governor Sinha welcomed this initiative, emphasising that it would pave the way for one of the biggest players in the health sector to begin groundwork in the Union Territory. He highlighted that this collaboration would significantly boost the healthcare system, creating opportunities for employment, self-employment, and entrepreneurship.
Lt Governor Sinha outlined key initiatives of the administration to facilitate industrial growth, transforming J&K into the fastest-growing and most preferred investment destination. He emphasized the region’s potential with its captivating landscapes, clean environment, and attractive opportunities for investors.
Jammu Kashmir, known as the fruit bowl of India, ranks first in the production of Apple, Walnut, Almond, and Saffron. Lt Governor Sinha expressed confidence in the immense potential of the food processing sector, aiming to reduce wastage, benefit fruit growers, and become a key driver of economic growth.
“In J&K, red tape has been replaced with a red carpet for industries. We are offering opportunities in various fields of food processing, vegetables, bakery production, and nutraceuticals,” stated Lt Governor Sinha. He highlighted the importance of GI certification to create global brands and achieve international standards of food safety and quality.
Lt Governor Sinha also shared the unprecedented growth in the tourism sector over the last few years. The UT Administration, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has prioritised infrastructural development to stimulate rapid tourism growth and ensure maximum benefit for investors in the hospitality sector.
“Tourism sector has been provided industry status to eliminate investment barriers, ensure incentives, and facilitate allied business activities. I am confident Jammu Kashmir is poised to emerge as India’s major tourist destination,” said Lt Governor Sinha. He noted the growth in medical tourism and wellness industry, foreseeing employment generation and prosperity for the sector.
Promoting the ease of doing business, Lt Governor Sinha invited industry leaders to invest in the UT of Jammu Kashmir and contribute to its developmental journey.
The event also featured stalls by entrepreneurs and business organisations, and it was attended by several dignitaries, including Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary, Health and Medical Education, and other senior officials.
