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Journalism of Courage
As the secretary level talks between India and Pakistan went underway today, India emphasised the need for increased bilateral cooperation suggesting that Pakistan could identify products of export interest that could be looked at by India, in terms of relevant import regime. India would then take steps to facilitate better understanding for Pakistan exporters on these products and facilitate trade in those items.
Addressing the fourth meeting on Economic and Commercial Cooperation between India and Pakistan under the Framework of Composite Dialogue here today, commerce secretary G K Pillai stated that while Pakistan can export cement to India, it would be commercially beneficial as the world’s third largest consumer of tea, Pakistan, could buy tea from India. “If tea is traded across our borders through the land route, it would reduce transaction costs and create economic advantages for the two countries,” Pillai said.
Pillai observed that there is a need to recognise the sectoral overlap in product baskets and proper diversification and development of exclusive and niche products on a sectoral value chain can help achieve greater cooperation. “I appreciate the efforts of Pakistan for ratifying Safta which signifies its efforts in accepting India as Most Favoured Nation. Our overall objective should be to make South Asia a region of free movement of people and goods,” he added.
“Indo-Pak bilateral trade will touch $10 billion by 2010 but there is a need for both countries to improve the infrastructure at the designated border crossing points on the rail and road networks.”
India’s exports to Pakistan grew to $1348.32 million in 2006-2007 from $521.05 million in 2004-2005, while Pakistan’s exports to India grew to $323.19 million in 2006-2007 from $ 94.97 million in 2004-2005 and $177.48 million in 2005-2006, at a compounded annual growth of more than 70 per cent. The Pakistani delegation is led by commerce secretary Syed Asif Shah. Also present at the talks were Rajeev Kher, joint secretary, Department of Commerce from Indian side, Shahid Malik, high commissioner of Pakistan, Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, director general (South Asia and SARC) and Shahid Hussain Raja, additional secretary from Pakistan.
