Positive approach can enhance bi-lateral trade with India

13 Mar '08

2 min read

If pre-set notions and long-standing hostilities can be sidelined India and Pakistan can benefit mutually from bilateral trade.

A trend very evident for the past six decades show that even though India and Pakistan would go out of their way to tap international markets through trade tactics, they would not do the same to explore commercial grounds in each others country.

For instance, even if they open door to their markets to foreign countries and imports, they would be hell-bent on resisting the same for each other.

Although, Pakistani fabric has immense potential in the Indian market, its export is restricted through complex duty regime.

In spite of such trade frictions, statistics show, Pakistani fabric export to India increased from US $48.68 million in 2005-06 to $73.70 million in 2006-07. The raw material was largely used in the Indian apparel industry for manufacturing garment for exports.

On the other hand, Pakistan's raw cotton import from India increased from $58 million in 2005-06 to $206.90 million in 2006-07. Experts believe that the figure could have gone much higher if the Government of Pakistan allowed timely import of cotton through Wagah border.

A phenomenal increase of 129 percent was observed in Indian trade with Pakistan from April-October 2006-07. Two-way trade has reached a record figure of $977.03 million.

While exports from India valued at $789.13 million, imports stood at $187.90 million. India's imports from Pakistan have beengrowing at a steady pace of 87 percent in 2005-06 and 86percent in April-October (2006-07).

All of the above just goes to explain that if cohesion, mutual understanding and respect for each other's nationality is recognized, India and Pakistan can go a long way together.

More Textiles News - Pakistan...