Saarc CCI calls for giving MFN status to India

ISLAMABAD, April 26, 2011 (PPI): Welcoming the forthcoming Commerce Secretary level talks between Pakistan and India, the SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has supported demand to accord most favoured nation (MFN) status to India to widen economic and regional co-operation and accelerate development, said Vice President SCCI and veteran trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik.

He exchanged these views in a meeting of World Punjabi Forum (WPF), at New Delhi. He said that two countries should remove trade barriers, abandon tensions and support each other following the pattern of European Union so that both can excel.

Iftikhar Ali Malik, who is also president of WPF, Pakistan Chapter said that the two countries should eliminate visa restrictions and establish visa facilitation desks at all embassies and consulates.

He said that we are here to promote peace, condemn terrorism and give message of love and brotherhood on behalf of Pakistani business community.

“Lack of product sharing and high cost of doing bilateral business has been inflicting great losses on the people of Pakistan and India which must end,” he demanded.

The trade leader said that we should restore communication links, enhance business activities and promote tranquillity to end mistrust which is keeping millions below the poverty line on both sides of the divide.

He said that Indian electricity, diesel, Internet data and expertise are most welcome provided continuation in supply and concrete steps to balance the mutual trade are guaranteed by New Delhi.

SVP Saarc CCI Vikranjit Singh Sahney who is also President of Indian Chapter of WPF said that we want that both countries should live in peace and receive equal trade advantages.

We are tied in several affinities therefore we must promote love, affection and harmony as our past and future is tied together, he underlined.

Speaking on the occasion Chairman Media Committee FPCCI Malik Sohail Hussain said that he especially travelled through 'Dosti Bus' to participate in the meeting. “It was a great journey during which I felt honoured,” he said adding that he will never forget respect and hospitality of Indian brethren.

He demanded other moves like Bus Service to bring people of two countries together.

Malik Sohail called upon automakers to support Pakistani automotive industry which is in distress over supply chain disruption from Japan.

Others present on the occasion included Deputy General Secretary Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ambika Sharma, Chairman NRC Industries Rabindar Singh, Sarabjit S. Chadda, Surjit Singh, Chairman FPCCI Capital Office Hameed Akhtar Chadda, Indian industrialist B.S. Aanand, GS WPF Ali Badr and Arshad Alam. They said that we have no future unless we shun petty differences.