Speakers at a seminar said that both Pakistan and India should be conscious of the terrorist activities which could sabotage the recent trade ties which is likely to be started very soon as a result of the talks between Pakistan and India at the recently concluded 17th SAARC summit in Maldieves. They expressed these views in a seminar on "SAARC Promise amid Indo-Pak Thaw" organised by South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) here on Friday.
The seminar was addressed by former foreign minister Mian Khursheed Mahmud Kasuri, prominent economist Dr Akmal Hussain, and Secretary-General SAFMA Imtiaz Alam and senior journalist Khalid Ahmed. Speaking on the occasion Khursheed Mahmud Kasuri stressed on the need of removal of hidden trade barriers between Pak-Indian Trade otherwise the decision of granting Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India will be unable to promote trade and investment.
He observed that as a result of the decision, bilateral trade between the two neighbours is expected to swell to over $6 billion, while the frequency of trade across the Line of Control (LoC) will also go up to the benefit of the people of Kashmir. He also noted that the decision is "a good omen" for the success of the agreement to create the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), which was signed at the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in 2004.
Kasuri also dispelled this impression that as a result of Pak-Indian trade our economy will suffer. He said that as a result of trade between a bigger country and a small country, ultimately small country will gain. He also said that Pakistan and India will solve their problems bilaterally only political will is needed. He said that media can play an important role in bridging the gap between the two countries.
Syed Akmal Hussain was of the view that that scenario of the world trade is changing and Asia will be the center of trade in next 25 years instead of Europe. He said that China will be the biggest economy and USA will be the second largest economy and India will be on the third number. He also said if SAFTA will be implemented then South Asian economy will be the second largest economy in the world. He said that as a result of Pak-Indian trade cost of production will fall because the raw material is cheap in India and as a result inflation will reduce.
Akmal said that both countries should evolve a strategy to face the problem of global warming and stressed that both the countries should use their water resources adding that both countries should work on the seed technology to increase the per acer yield in their countries.
Khalid Ahmed showed his reservations over the implementation of trade agreement because he said that our establishment doesn't want good relations with India and their policies are anti-Indians. While criticising the religious parties who are raising objection on giving MNN status to India, he said that from the day one they are playing the role of mouthpiece of establishment.
Speaking on the occasion Imtiaz Alam said that local manufacturers should be encouraged to explore the huge Indian market for their exports and also initiate joint ventures with their Indian counterparts. The decision should also help a liberal and easy visa regime to promote tourism and people to people contacts, he said, adding that improving connectivity across borders is the most important element in promoting trade, investment and mutually-beneficial dependencies.
Alam called upon the two governments to move forward on other items of comprehensive dialogue to create solid basis for peace and co-operation between the two countries and the region at large. He demanded that all barriers on free flow of information and free movement of journalists across South Asian borders be lifted. He hoped India and Pakistan will understand each other's interest in bringing peace in Afghanistan.
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