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

2nd Indo-Pak Business meeting Lahore Declaration of Aman ki Asha conference A landmark gathering of some of the most influential Pakistani and Indian business and corporate leaders extended unequivocal support to the objectives of the Aman ki Ash .....more

Humeri has not given up on her fiance even after 18 years HYDERABAD: Aman Ki Asha finally brought back Dr. Khalil Chichti to his homeland from India after two long decades but there many other families and lives that still remai .....more

Dr Chishty welcomed home like a celebrity By Ammar Shahbazi & Sidrah Roghay
Karachi

After 20 years of separation from his family, Dr Khalil Chishty finally landed in his hometown, Karachi, on Wed .....more

Dr Khalil Chishti lands in hometown Karachi KARACHI: Virologist Dr Khalil Chishti, who spent 20 long years away from home in Indian jail, will be reuniting his family shortly in his hometown Karachi, Geo news repor .....more

Exchange of friendly missives

Some feedback about the Aman ki Asha Indo-Pak Economic Meet last week, and suggestions about taking forward the peace agenda

Fantastic meeting! I do ho .....more

Brief

India, Pakistan pad up to renew cricket ties

India on Saturday took a small but significant step towards reviving cricketing ties with Pakistan. The BC .....more