China and Japan trade links prove that despite tense relations, economic interdependence tends to avert aggravation
RAWALPINDI: Historical relations cannot always be a yardstick for deep ties in the future. Foreign policy is often guided by pragmatism and national interests. China and Japan, despite a tumultuous history, have learnt to live together and cooperate rather than grieving over their past. They are now major trading giants, having a great level of economic interdependence despite their rivalry over territorial disputes and a tragic history. Similarly, European history tells us stories of war among all European powers. Germany and France, for example, are historical rivals, who fought wars resulting in millions of deaths. But do they still exchange blows? Do they still indulge in war? No they don’t. They have learnt to live with each other and have realised that what they did in the past did not benefit them. Territorial gains and nationalistic spirits are not as significant as the protection of basic human rights and formation of a welfare society. These nations have agreed mutually on basic rights and norms and that they would not indulge in wars as they did in the past. They are now focusing on strengthening their mutual economic ties and peaceful relations.
India and Pakistan have a lot to learn from these examples. Tensions between the two date back to their inception as independent countries, with a long history of wars and conflicts over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The nuclear weapons of both countries are the by-product of this strained relationship. Moreover, border skirmishes take place on a routine basis between the two states. This needs to change, but how? In my view, the primary contributing factor to ending hostilities will be economic. The more the two countries strengthen their economic links, the greater will be the chances for peaceful coexistence. Increasing trade relations will not only benefit consumers in both countries by giving them access to a larger variety of goods and services, this will also help de-escalate tensions. If trade and economic cooperation between India and Pakistan gains pace, it may well at some point lead to a resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Following the 1965 war, trade between India and Pakistan fell drastically and came to a near standstill for almost nine years. In more recent years, India stopped trade via land and air routes for some time following the attack on its parliament in 2001. India has not allowed Pakistan access to Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan through its territory and in return Pakistan has not given transit rights to India for Afghanistan.
Chinese and Japanese trade links prove that despite tense relations between states, their economic interdependence tends to avert aggravation of the rivalry, giving the states much-needed respite. In this era of globalisation, the world is moving towards development and elimination of conflict but we are still rooted in the past when it comes to our relationship with India. The fact is that ample business opportunities between the two nations exist, ranging from joint ventures, outsourcing, technology transfers, special economic zones near the border, opening up of the Munabao-Khokhrapar route for trade, increased people-to-people movement, a facilitative visa regime, mutual recognition of standards to harmonisation of customs regulations and procedures, but these need to be made use of by both sides. Pakistan needs to grant MFN status to India as this would in fact help Pakistani consumers since they would be able to purchase cheaper Indian products.
We can no longer afford to be prisoners of the past. I do not think that all the hostility that exists can be eliminated in an instance, but at least both sides should look towards adopting a positive approach to each other.
Saleha Zia
Published in The Express Tribune, December 7th, 2014.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
