Khan stresses on the importance of improved trade relations between the two countries for poverty reduction, economic growth and peace and stability in the region. ILLUSTRATION: JAMAL KHURSHID.
LAHORE: Pakistan will normalise trade relations with India on equal terms, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and after taking the business community on board for a fair and level playing field, says Ministry of Food Security Additional Secretary Abdul Basit Khan.
He was highlighting efforts being made by Pakistan and India to streamline trade ties at a public-private dialogue organised under the European Union-funded Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA II) programme.
During the discussion, stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as civil society discussed policy recommendations and domestic regulatory reforms for enhancing competitiveness and export potential in trade with India in the light of improved bilateral ties and the South Asia Free Trade Area (Safta).
Khan stressed the importance of improved trade relations between the two countries for poverty reduction, economic growth and peace and stability in the region.
Secretary of Department of Industries, Commerce and Investment, Government of Punjab, Dr Shujat Ali, suggested that policy decisions pertaining to Pakistan-India trade should be based on comprehensive, empirical sector studies to assess the strengths and weaknesses and trade potential of each sector.
He said though worldwide experience showed that regional trade led to widespread economic gains, at the same time there was a compelling need to deal with regional and sector disadvantages through appropriate remedial measures available under various agreements.
Pakistan and India are neighbouring countries and can greatly benefit from bilateral trade, said Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Senior Vice President of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
Sheikh underlined the need for formulating concrete policies for enhancing competitiveness in trade with India and called for consulting all stakeholders in this respect.
Pointing out that in some sectors Pakistani producers were at a disadvantage, he asked the government to come forward and create a level playing field for local businesses compared to their Indian competitors.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2013.
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This is wonderful. Pakistan has been discussing this issue internally for over an year. India gave MFN to Pakistan 15 years back. If Paksitan does not want to give MFN status to India, they should drop the issue. There is one more stakeholder in the equation- the common man. He gets Indian goods via Dubai at a higher price. I think this should also be stpped by Pakistan or are there interest to import via Dubai?
Pakistran had 14 months for implementation. Why were these consutations not conducted during that time. Why is this now being used as an excuse to delay a commitment made in lieu of India waiving its WTO objection to Pakistan receiving trade concessions from EU.
India has honoured its part and PAkistan is acting in bad faith when it comes to doing its part.