The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an apex body of chambers in the region on Sunday lauded the decision of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to visit India for attending oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi, which will help initiate durable peace in the South Asia.
Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pak chapter and veteran trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik in thought provoking exclusive interview with APP here today, said that in the prevailing economic global scenario, a complete peace is pre-requisite for quick development in the region without which none of the country can progress and prosper in any sphere of life.
He said, in this critical juncture of the history, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has shown political wisdom by accepting the invitation of Narendra Modi and it is high time for India to demonstrate the goodwill gestures towards top leadership of neighbouring country Pakistan.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said that both countries had to take initiatives and reciprocate steps on equal footings to improve relations and promotion of bilateral trade.
For level playing field and a win-win situation, he said, a bilateral investment treaty should be finalised to facilitate a two-way flow of foreign direct investment between the two countries.
He emphasised that media should also play a positive role in restoring mutual trust and confidence at grass-roots level which was a key to mutual growth and economic prosperity of the region.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said that as a result of constrained bilateral relations, there has been very little trading between Pakistan and India since inception. He said: "We have abundant resources, both human and natural, possess enriched and fertile land tracts but people of both countries' have suffered badly due to failure to utilise indigenous resources optimally."
He said that several previous attempts to improve economic ties between the two countries had also been derailed by periodically heightened political upheavals.
Iftikhar Ali Malik is the first trade leader in the subcontinent who elected unopposed VP SAARC CCI fourth consecutive terms for his unprecedented services for the promotion of trade among SAARC countries, said that in past the governments of both countries often reiterated their pledge for durable relations but reaching at comprehensive agreements that settle outstanding disputes still seemed far off.
He said that it was in the vital interest of people of the Subcontinent and their governments to fully ensure lasting peace in the region through promotion of trade besides addressing their core issues.
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