KTMF, Axis Bank hold high-level talks to boost credit flow for Kashmir businesses

The Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) on Thursday held a high-level interaction with senior management of Axis Bank in Srinagar, focusing on strengthening financial support and improving credit access for the business community in J&K.

The meeting was attended by KTMF’s senior leadership, district presidents, and representatives of various trade bodies from across the Valley. The Axis Bank delegation included Vijay Shetty, President – Commercial Banking Coverage Group; Sunil Khatri, Senior Vice President (Working Capital Credit); Vineet Miglani, Senior Vice President (Risk Head); Kanwalbir Singh, Senior Vice President (Circle Head); Aadil Shah, Vice President & Cluster Head; and Gowher Sheikh, Vice President & Cluster Head.

A detailed and result-oriented discussion was held on key issues such as lending practices, access to credit, working capital requirements, and the overall business ecosystem in the region. Deliberations also explored avenues for business expansion and the role of financial institutions in supporting trade and manufacturing sectors.

KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan highlighted the critical role of banks in revitalising the Valley’s economy. He stressed the need for a more responsive and flexible banking approach, particularly in facilitating credit for small and medium enterprises. He urged the bank to adopt trader-friendly policies and ensure smoother financial accessibility.

Speakers at the meeting underscored KTMF’s extensive grassroots presence across districts and tehsils, describing it as one of the most representative business bodies in Jammu and Kashmir. The leadership reiterated that this wide network enables the federation to effectively articulate the concerns of the business community and engage constructively with institutions for inclusive economic growth.

Several trade leaders, including Bashir Ahmad Rather, Qazi Tauseef, Din Mohammad Mattoo, Fayaz Ahmad Ahangar, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Ismail Beigh, Javaid Ahmad Zargar, Tariq Ahmad Mugloo, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, Altaf Ahmad Kar, Rouf Reshie, Umar Farooq, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, Mehrajuddin Ahmad and Ajaz Ahmad Baba, shared ground-level insights, highlighting challenges related to collateral requirements, credit flow bottlenecks and the need for customised financial products suited to local conditions.

Senior business leader Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya and Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry functionary Aashiq Shangloo were also present on the occasion.

Responding to the concerns, Axis Bank officials acknowledged the unique challenges faced by businesses in the region and reiterated their commitment to addressing them in a structured and time-bound manner. The delegation said the bank is looking to enhance its lending exposure in Jammu and Kashmir and assured that efforts would be made to introduce tailored financial solutions, improve credit accessibility and streamline processes.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides agreeing to strengthen coordination and explore new avenues of collaboration aimed at fostering business growth and economic development in the region.