Pak offers India import of cheap wheat, cement

New Delhi, Apr 26: Pakistani businessmen today made out a forceful case for India to import commodities like wheat and cement from its neighbour, saying that greater trade on the Wagah-Attari border would be a win-win game for both the countries.

They cited price data to show that Pakistan would be a cheaper source of supply for India as imports of wheat and cement would cost the country more from any other source.

The Pakistani delegation was led by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), whose visit is being hosted by PHDCCI.

The businessmen, who are well-known in Pakistan, took the support of history to show that India and Pakistan had much in common by way of traditions, culture, societal links as well as complementarities in the two economies.

They also saw no reason as to why Pakistan should not import more from India as many of the goods which make their way to their country via third countries.

A huge amount of goods find their way into Pakistan from Dubai.

In a globalised world, trade restrictions are a costly affair and non-tariff barriers have no place in the emerging world order.

In this regard, ICCI President Muhammad Nasir Khan quoted a World Bank study to show that the potential of trade was grossly undermined and could be stepped up from the present low-level of 0.5 billion dollars.

The businessmen found it heartening that bilateral trade was moving on an upward curve ever since the past few years, thanks to the peace process under way.

''Pakistani wheat is of a better quality than the one India imports from Australia. If the Wagah border is opened for trade, India will be able to import wheat at 50 dollar per tonne less than what it pays now,'' Mr Khan said here.

''A third party certification from agencies like Lloyds and SGS, which is mutually acceptable, can be used while trading. When the route opens, transportation cost will reduce substantially,'' he added.

The group would also discuss the issue of multiple visas to businessmen on both sides. ''At present, only about 200 visas are available to us but we are looking for more visas for increased trading options,'' Mr Khan said.

Speaking to sources, Mr Khan remained hopeful the talks would bear fruits. ''We are here to initiate some action and not just talk,'' he said. The ICCI has already made some recommendations to the Commerce Minister of Pakistan on the possible steps.

''At the end of the day in the affairs of nations, it is not economic logic but political will which decides outcomes. The wounds of the nations who have often been at war and have seen the trauma of partition take a long time to heal,'' a PHDCCI official said.

UNI