Efforts to ‘boost’ regional trade must

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 4

Stressing that regional trade is important not only for Pakistan but India also, Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi, vice-president, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “All-out efforts must be made to boost trade in the region. All over the world, traders reap the benefits of strong regional trade. Pakistan and India are natural trading partners and yet we are far from enjoying the fruits of mutual barter and shared commonalities.”

Earlier, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) welcomed around 160 delegates from Pakistan, who crossed the border to participate in the five-day PHD-Punjab International Trade Expo. RS Sachdeva, co-chairman, Punjab Committee, PHDCCI, too, reciprocated the concerns of his counterpart from Pakistan, “We look forward to a better situation. There can be no substitute for mutual peace and harmony for growth and development.”

The first day of the trade expo saw a warm response from the masses, espevially the Pakistani stalls with traditional suits and furniture. The onyx furniture, embelished juttis, fabrics and textiles will be the highlight of the exhibition.

Sachdeva said that 140 delegates from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and 20 delegates from the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry were received at the border. More than 300 delegates from the Sheikhupura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry were expected to cross over to Amritsar over the next two days, he added.

All these trade bodies will have one-to-one interactions with various industry associations of Punjab for furthering the common cause of bilateral business as bilatral trade is the most promising and the most potent solution to the disturbed scenario between both the countries.

“Being a part of the integrated approach towards better trade ties, such interactions play the role of a catalyst,” said Sachdeva while referring to the recent interactions in Pakistan. The participating industry associations from Punjab include the Mohali Industries Association, the Engineering Exports Promotion Council, the Ludhiana Sewing Machines Manufacturers Association, the Focal Point Industries Association, the Rice Exporters Association besides the Amritsar-based Textiles Manufacturers Association and the Shawl Club, said Dalip Sharma, director, PHDCCI.