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Islamabad: The leadership of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) has welcomed the visit of high powered Indian business delegation led by Hon’ ble Commerce Minister of India Mr. Anand Sharma.
President SAARC CCI Mr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, former President Mr. Tariq Sayeed and Vice President Pakistan Chapter, Mr. Iftikhar Ali Malik have regarded this visit as the commencement of new era of relationship between two leading economies of South Asia adding that such initiatives would help defuse political tension and bring closer to two nation. Stated in a press released issue by Mr. Iqbal Tabish, Secretary General of SAARC CCI.
“The entourage of Commerce Minister includes top Indian businessmen and more than 150 entrepreneurs and exhibitors is a positive reflection, which is instrumental to further deepen economic cooperation between two leading nations of South Asia” stated Mr. Sahney who took the presidency of SAARC CCI in January 2012.
Mr. Annisul Huq, Immediate Past President of SAARC CCI from Bangladesh lauded the political leadership of both India and Pakistan for their recent efforts to normalize the relationship through economic diplomacy and expressed his best wishes for further improvement stating that it is drastically required for the regional economic development.
Mr. Tariq Sayeed, former President SAARC CCI appreciated the recent development in wake of endeavours of both of the Governments for initiating business promotion strategy, which he perceived as an important element for the overall growth of South Asia.
Mr. Iftikhar Ali Malik was certain that the visit of Indian Commerce Minister, high-powered Indian Businessmen and India Show in Lahore will not only help normalization of bilateral relations but also generate greater political will much required to improve bilateral business environment, which can facilitate and increase economic growth and expansion of trade.
Mr. Jashimuddin, VP- SAARC CCI ( Bangladesh), Mr. Thinley Palden Dorji, VP- SAARC CCI (Bhutan), Mr. Mahedra Pramir, VP-SAARC CCI ( India), Mr. Ahmed Mujuthaba, VP-SSARC CCI ( Maldives), Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, VP-SAARC CCI ( Nepal) and Mr. Kosala Wickramanayake, VP-SAARC CCI ( Sri Lanka) have also expressed their best wished for the success of the visit.
Secretary General, SAARCC CCI proposed both the Governments to adopt a 5-years agenda and lay down specific timelines for full its implementation in a way that they could further be materialize in to Preferential Trade Agreement and further to Free Trade Agreement. He proposed for dismantling non-tariff barriers and full implementation of the legal obligations under the SAARC Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
A three days exhibition “The India Show” at Lahore Expo is already in operation from Feb 11-13, 2012 to showcase the India’s dynamic and fastest growing sectors, the mega event will open a wide world of business opportunities, CEOs delegation will visit Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad during Feb 13-15, 2012 and B-2-B meetings will be organized as well. These activities will give the Pakistani business community confidence and will create the environment of trust and cooperation that will effect trade normalization process positively.
For more information, contact:
Malik Sohail Hussain
Chairman FPCCI Standing
Committee on Media and PR
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
Tel: +9251 2251 891-3
Fax: +9251 2251 894
Cell: +92333 5155300; +92321 5155500
Email: malick.sohail@yahoo.com