Comments Syed Yawar Ali
Chairman Nestle Pakistan
Of the legalized trade worth $2.2 billion, India's share is 85 percent; if MFN status is given to India, this share will increase. India should also relax various trade laws in its country to provide a level playing field to foreign investors. Further, Pakistan's textiles, surgical and sports sectors are better than the Indian ones so we should focus on improving these products for the Indian market. We should encourage Indian investment in Pakistan and allow them to re-export the product from these investments to India. We should have a Free Trade Agreement with India and ask New Delhi for tariff agreements similar to the ones they have with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka."

Mian Muhd Mansha
Chairman Mansha Group
I have always said that India offers bigger opportunity than China for Pakistan. Existing opportunities were not exploited due to trade barriers between the two countries and we are keenly awaiting their gradual removal. Such exhibitions are needed between the two countries not only to showcase our products but also to look into the possibilities of joint ventures etc. Apart from textiles, we want to open branches of our banks in India, as our banking system has an edge over Indian banks in services and efficiency. Similarly, Indians would like to establish offices in Pakistan where they have an edge. I am optimistic that after liberalization of trade from our side, India will further open up."

Azhar Majeed Sheikh
Vice President of FPCCI, a leading
businessman of textile sector
Pakistani manufacturers did around one billion rupees worth of business in the four days of the expo, of which more than 95 per cent took place in first one and half days - the textile sector stalls ran out of stock in two days. The big Indian market of more than one billion population exists but India also has certain tariff barriers in the textile sector. Pakistani textile products are far better than the Indian ones (and so, in high demand), especially in the bridal and lawn sectors. Pakistan has made better value addition and upgraded its equipment in the textile sector so there is no need to worry about competition with India."

Haji Azhar Akther
Leading rice exporter
We are now sourcing Rive Braun Oil (RBO) plants, Small Edible Oil Refinery and Rice Steaming plants from India. The All India Rice Exporters Association admits the subcontinent has ownership of basmati and AIREA and REAP must jointly evolve a mutually beneficial sales and marketing strategy to counter any US or other producers bringing harm to the premiums deserved by basmati. They also proposed that the Geographical Identification issue be jointly addressed by the two. AIREA is against any rice trade between India and Pakistan because they think it will dilute the originality of the respective brands of two origins. They think AIREA and REAP jointly must exchange R&D and seed for cultivation purposes so that absence of regulation doesn't harm our respective indigenous crops."

Mian Muhd Kashif Ashfaq
Chief Executive ChenOne Stores Ltd.
ChenOne participated for the first time in this cross border venture with India and the response we received was overwhelming. We were amazed to find out that the ChenOne brand was already known in Delhi, because of its presence in GCC countries and particularly Dubai. ChenOne's premium lawn Pareesa stole the show while our bedlinen earned a wonderful response and demand. Besides sales at the stall, we got a number of queries about potential business from retail houses. We strongly recommend the continuity of such events as this will increase bilateral business and social relations, but also will play a pivotal role in building confidence on both sides. The love and affection we all received was memorable."

Iftikhar Ali Malik
Chairman Guard Group
The credit for the success of the Lifestyle Expo goes to Aman ki Asha, the SAARC business community and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. There are ample chances of cooperation in light engineering, the auto sector and the agriculture sector. Both the Pakistani and Indian auto sectors have been producing vehicles under the umbrella of international brands so they can utilize their expertise of component development and exchange these with each other which will reduce costs and benefit consumers. Under South Asian Free Trade Agreement, procedures to promote trade by removing both tariff and non-tariff barriers are already available - they just need implementation."

Mian Idrees
Group Chairman Sitara Industries
The opening of the trade gate at Wagah started a new era while the Lifestyle Pakistan Expo showed the potential of the Indian market. We are appointing agents in India as the first step, while later phases will include retail outlets and other facilities. We did good business in the four days in New Delhi and the networking with Indian businesses will eventually benefit Pakistanis. This has been a fruitful outcome of all the work done by both governments and the private sector on both sides for the promotion of trade. All participants returned happy from India with new plans. Once trade with India begins, new investment will also start pouring into the economy."

Monday, April 23, 2012

An old man's plea:Let us meet

An online video about Sikhs looking after a mosque built by his ancestors inspires
the writer to re-connect with his past across the border
By Syed Saadat Hu .....more