Industry wants trade included in Indo-Pak. talks

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JUNE 28. Industry has suggested the inclusion of Indo- Pakistan trade and investment relations, in particular, and SAARC, in general, in the agenda for discussions between the Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, and the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee.

Trade expansion should be sought by focusing on sourcing lower unit value items from within the region and also by concentrating on intra-industry trade.

A major factor responsible for the slow progress in trade is lack of clear understanding of the benefits of co- operation as well as the costs of non-cooperation.

In a note, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has suggested conversion of the north-western sub-region of the SAARC, consisting of India and Pakistan, as a growth zone to facilitate setting up of joint ventures in various sectors.

Sectors such as textiles, clothing, leather, rubber and electronics could be taken up for transforming them into regional mega sectors. Joint ventures are also possible in various sectors such as processed food, mineral manufactures, aquaculture, horticulture, tourism etc. In addition, developmental projects relating to concerning power generation, transport and communication networking, education and health could also be taken up.

The association pointed out that due to lack of cooperation among the SAARC nations, import bills of many products, otherwise available within the region, gets inflated by up to 30 per cent.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Govt. intervention sought in Karmapa issue
Next     : Sisters get death penalty