India’s Davos? ‘J&K Economic Conclave-2019’ to kick start in Gulmarg from Feb 27

Srinagar, Feb 2: Skiing resort Gulmarg is all set to host a mega economic conclave from February 27 on the pattern of World Economic Forum which is held at Davos Switzerland ever year.

First of its kind, the two-day conclave will be attended by nearly 150 delegates including India’s noted economists, business chamber heads, industry holders, entrepreneurs, educationists, traders and agriculturists from the state.

As per the organisers of the event, the delegates and local businessmen will exchange their views and business ideas, which will be documented to help the upcoming regimes in framing policies for the business sector.

“The conclave will focus on the current business environment of the state, which witnessed lowest per capita income in the country. Our industrial and agriculture sector witnesses no growth. Service sector is dogged by severe operational and supply chain hiccups,” said noted development economist Arjuman Hussain Talib, who is the organizer of the event.

“So, the idea is to deliberate on these issues and come up with a solution that is required at policy and operation levels. It will be documented with recommendations, so as to produce a robust document for policy advocacy, improvement of the overall business environment and contribution of new business ideas and possibilities,” he added.

Talib said the event will comprise of a series of panel discussions and workshops participated by economic thinkers and experts, with expertise in new economy transformation.“The experts from outside J&K will attend the event that are in touch with J&K or have pragmatic view about the state,” he said.

J&K Economic Conclave-2019, which will be launched as South Asia’s Davos – Gulmarg is modelled on the pattern of World Economic Forum.

As per the draft of the event, delegates from all the regions of the state will discuss their respective economy issues and requisite measures.
“Issues like national highway, which is constant irritant currently will be deliberated. Further, opinions related to challenges faced by sectors like higher education will be also sought,” Talib said.

The conclave will have almost 12 segments on issues tourism, handicrafts, environment protection and solid waste management, job market and others.

Meanwhile, Kashmir Inc hopes that the conclave will prove beneficial for the state’s business sector.
“When multiple brains with different ideas meet, it definitely produces a good outcome. KCCI is ready to attend and even help them in the event,” KCCI president Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad said.