FIMSE delegates vow to boost trade with Pakistani SMEs

A 15-member delegation of Indian businessmen belonging to Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises pledged to work hand-in-hand with Pakistani counterparts to pave way for enhanced trade activities.

Leader of the FIMSE delegation Mukesh Kalra stressed the need for joint ventures between the two sides. “The FIMSE is preparing a well-researched and well-consulted study to identify sector-specific impediments in bilateral trade between India and Pakistan. The study will be ready by March 31 and will be furnished to the quarters concerned in the Indian government for appropriate measures in that direction, he told the session.

Kalra said the two governments should make concerted efforts to implement ‘Ease of Doing Business Phenomenon’, which is vital for attracting foreign businesses. He said the delayed issue of visas to both Indian and Pakistani businessmen was the biggest hurdle in promotion of bilateral trade. “The businessmen of both India and Pakistan should convince their respective governments to expedite the process in the larger interests of the people of the two countries,” he said.

Kalra expressed optimism that Pakistan-India trade will get a quantum jump as soon as the relations normalise. He said Pakistan was a safe place to do business and a lucrative market as well. LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Tariq Misbah said the frequency of visits made by Indian delegations to Pakistan in the last couple of years shows that Indian business community is really keen to study the Pakistani markets. He said such kind of contacts could play a big role in normalising trade ties between two countries.

Referring to trade related data of the last three years, LCCI Vice-President Kashif Anwar said it was very unfortunate that success in bringing any major increase in total trade between Pakistan and India remained a dream during all this time.

Anwar said best option is to trade in raw material and semi-finished goods because in that case we can support each other’s industry and create employment opportunities across the borders. He said that non-tariff barriers imposed by Indian authorities to discourage Pakistani exporters should be given a serious thought. India must simplify these procedures to facilitate trade, he added.

Anwar said that there was a strong need for educating masses on matters of peaceful co-existence and the advantages of conflict resolution rather than conflict pursuance. “This is extremely crucial for promoting economic cooperation at all levels. We are peace-loving country and want to have greater peace in the region,” he said.