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

Singh ready to visit Pakistan unconditionally: S M Krishna ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar Saturday asserted that Islamabad and New Delhi should look forward by putting the past behind while Indian External .....more

Bridging borders through medical journal CHANDIGARH: What connects these men in white coats across the border is working collectively for a healthy nation without caring for the divide that exists between India .....more

Indian government seeks talks with Pakistan on direct air link between New Delhi and Islamabad NEW DELHI: India has sought talks with Pakistan on direct air link between the capitals and more flights between business centres, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral .....more

SM Krishna arrives in Pakistan with mandate to build trust ISLAMABAD: External Affairs Minister SM Krishna today arrived here on a three-day visit to Pakistan to hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar, saying .....more

India hopes to sign new visa agreement during Krishna's Pak visit NEW DELHI: India is hopeful of a new visa agreement, in the works for some time now, being signed during the visit of foreign minister S M Krishna to Pakistan where he wi .....more

Positive thinking required to solve issues: PM ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf during a meeting with visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said positive thinking was required to solve iss .....more