Open trade helps SMEs
Emphasising the need to create more openness for commerce and trade between India and Pakistan, Sunil Munjal, chairman Hero Corporate Services, said that economic growth in the region cannot happen with mistrust between the two countries.
As his father looked on, Munjal Jr said that over the years several initiatives have been taken, be it the opening of the Wagah border or the bus service between New Delhi and Lahore. "These made a difference, but it is not enough," he said.
Stating that every constituency, be it the government or the bureaucracy has its particular brief. Hence, the need of the hour is to build people-to-people and business-to-business contacts. "It has been proven in many countries that once trade opens, you build a vested interest for peace. Governments of both countries need to encourage business contacts," he said and added it isn't the big companies but the small-and medium-sized businesses that need initiatives like Aman ki Asha to help them break trade barriers.
Speaking of the waste closed borders lead to, he cited an example on how a business in Indian Punjab wanted cotton to be imported from Pakistan's Punjab. Munjal said, "The cotton went from Pakistan's Punjab to Karachi and was routed into Indian Punjab via Mumbai. By the time the consignment arrived here the cotton season was over. I can't understand why it should take so much time when the travel time is only six hours between the two Punjabs."
Stressing that confidence building and openness should be a continuous process, he said that business cannot be done in an atmosphere of inconsistency. "We need to look beyond our nose and look long term," he added.
Rahul Kansal, chief marketing officer, The Times of India Group, said that petty bottlenecks were hampering trade between India and Pakistan. "We need to fix the immediate problem and take baby steps for tangible gains. There is a lot we can do with present rules and regulations rather than wait for political action of granting of most-favoured nation status. Trade can itself be a catalyst for change in the political climate," he said.
Courtesy: Times of India
Sunday, May 23, 2010
As his father looked on, Munjal Jr said that over the years several initiatives have been taken, be it the opening of the Wagah border or the bus service between New Delhi and Lahore. "These made a difference, but it is not enough," he said.
Stating that every constituency, be it the government or the bureaucracy has its particular brief. Hence, the need of the hour is to build people-to-people and business-to-business contacts. "It has been proven in many countries that once trade opens, you build a vested interest for peace. Governments of both countries need to encourage business contacts," he said and added it isn't the big companies but the small-and medium-sized businesses that need initiatives like Aman ki Asha to help them break trade barriers.
Speaking of the waste closed borders lead to, he cited an example on how a business in Indian Punjab wanted cotton to be imported from Pakistan's Punjab. Munjal said, "The cotton went from Pakistan's Punjab to Karachi and was routed into Indian Punjab via Mumbai. By the time the consignment arrived here the cotton season was over. I can't understand why it should take so much time when the travel time is only six hours between the two Punjabs."
Stressing that confidence building and openness should be a continuous process, he said that business cannot be done in an atmosphere of inconsistency. "We need to look beyond our nose and look long term," he added.
Rahul Kansal, chief marketing officer, The Times of India Group, said that petty bottlenecks were hampering trade between India and Pakistan. "We need to fix the immediate problem and take baby steps for tangible gains. There is a lot we can do with present rules and regulations rather than wait for political action of granting of most-favoured nation status. Trade can itself be a catalyst for change in the political climate," he said.
Courtesy: Times of India
Sunday, May 23, 2010
People-to-people contacts, please
Syed Wahiduddin
Smooth relations between Pakistan and India are vital for regional and global stability. And what better way to improve the relations than f .....more
Syed Wahiduddin
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Talks after the Talks
Prominent Pakistanis and Indians took up dialogue where the official meeting between their foreign secretaries left off
By Zubair A Dar
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Pakistanis, Indians share peace prize
The Acha Star Awards for 2010 have been presented to two Pakistanis and four Indians for their work - Dr. Mohammad Arif (Varanasi), Jatin Desai (Mumbai), Ashfaq Fateh (To
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A mystical journey of peace progresses
The pitch for peace was possibly never more melodious, more devotional. At the Aman Ki Asha concert held at the beautifully-lit Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad Deccan here
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If music be the food of peace, play on...
Santana Pathak | TNN
AHMEDABAD: "Truly, Ahmedabad is an all-time favourite city for Indian Ocean," gushes Amit Kilam, drummer of the band over the phone. Just a mi .....more
Santana Pathak | TNNAHMEDABAD: "Truly, Ahmedabad is an all-time favourite city for Indian Ocean," gushes Amit Kilam, drummer of the band over the phone. Just a mi .....more
India,Pak businessmen vow to overcome trade hurdles
Sameer Arshad | TNN
New Delhi: Indian and Pakistani textile businessmen met in New Delhi on last week as part of Aman Ki Asha's business sub-committee on Textiles .....more
Sameer Arshad | TNNNew Delhi: Indian and Pakistani textile businessmen met in New Delhi on last week as part of Aman Ki Asha's business sub-committee on Textiles .....more
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We probably didn't need to do this Special Report. Newspaper stories don't matter when it comes to Indians in Pakistani jails and vice versa. In fact, 'vice versa' sums it up. We do to them what they do to us.
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