AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Lahore, February 25, 2014 (PPI-OT): The 3rd meeting of the Pakistan India Joint Business Forum concluded recently in Lahore. The Forum is facilitated by The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) which have been appointed as Secretariats by the governments of the two countries.
The Indian delegation was led by Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman Hero Motors India, with Mr Syed Yawar Ali, Chairman Nestle Pakistan, leading the Pakistan side. Over 50 delegates from Pakistan and India attended the joint Forum, covering a wide range of trade-related issues and concluded with a list of recommendations identifying areas of potential cooperation, as well as outlining specific steps to bolster bilateral trade in sectors such as Agriculture, Automotive, Energy, and SMEs.
The joint taskforce of Agriculture proposed a bilateral agriculture trade agreement to create better trade links and identify mutually beneficial ground for cross-border trade. The taskforce also recommended the urgent opening-up of the Wagah-Attari border for items such as farm machinery, equipment, and agri-inputs.
The Automotive Taskforce advised that trade in the auto sector be initially boosted at component level while encouraging cooperation between the two countries in terms of technical and skills development support. The Energy Taskforce emphasised the importance of business-to-business collaboration and government support, specifically in renewable energy projects.
It was also advised that the two governments move forward in facilitating cross-border sale of power. The SME Taskforce recommended that more items of small medium enterprises be added to Pakistan’s ‘Wagah-Attari Allowed List’, as well as creating warehousing facilities, simplifying documentation and custom procedures, along with creating a robust finance infrastructure framework for SMEs to facilitate smoother transactions.
The Forum concluded that it was essential to liberalise the existing visa regime, removing entry-exit and city-specific restrictions, and recommended that this be prioritised by the two governments. Other key recommendations included the opening up of more land routes; ensuring that the ICP (Integrated Check Post) at the Wagah-Attari border is operational on both sides and facilitating phone communication.
The members further emphasised the need for a dispute resolution mechanism and proposed the immediate implementation of the Redressal of Trade Grievances Agreement, ratified by both countries in September 2012.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr Yawar Ali said, “Liberalisation of trade will not only benefit industries and businesses, it will have a definitive impact on the peoples of both Pakistan and India. Implementing the recommendations of the Joint Forum will not only prove economically advantageous, I am confident it will precipitate overall improved relations between our two countries.”
Mr Sunil Kant Munjal added, “I am happy to say that the discussions held during Joint Forum were extremely robust. I am confident that opening up trade between Pakistan and India, and following on the outcomes of the Forum will ultimately result in a win-win scenario for both countries.”
For more information contact:
Samir S. Amir
Director Research
Pakistan Business Council
M-02, Mezannine Floor
Beaumont Plaza
10, Beaumont Road
Karachi -Pakistan
Tel PABX: ++92 213 563 0528 and 29
Tel Direct: ++92 213 563 0588
Fax: ++92 213 563 0530
Cell: ++92 300 8233 714
Website: www.pbc.org.pk