Pak industrialist calls for resuming trade with India
text_fields
Mian Mohammed Mansha, head of Pakistan's top business group Nishat conglomerate, said that it is time for India-Pakistan trade to resume. He pointed out there are many synergies between the two nations that can influence the trade.
He said that if India can conduct trade with China despite the border issues, there is no reason for Pakistan to abstain from such a move. "There's nothing better than having good relations with your neighbours. And you can't change neighbours."
Mr. Mansha asked if something is cheaper in India, why should a Pakistani businessman buy that from another country? The cost of transportation is less from India. He added that the Nishat Group can Hyundai cars in collaboration with the Indian industry because automobile parts are cheaper to buy from India than in China.
India-Pakistan trade entered a rough patch after the Pulwama attack in February 2019. India had doubled tariffs following the incident. Soon after, India made controversial decisions about the status of Jammu and Kashmir which prompted Pakistan to terminate the trade entirely.
The 81-year-old told The Indian Express that he feels "very passionately" that Pakistan needs to get things sorted out with India. "Whatever the issues are impending, let them be. But I think doors will start opening once India and Pakistan come to one another through trade and tourism."
He also talked of the possibility of resuming cement export to India and cotton import. Pakistan is now buying cotton from Afghanistan and other countries. He stated that if India and Pakistan enter a system based on cotton-growing seasons, it will be mutually beneficial instead of paying carrying charges from other countries.
The Pakistan Army had shown interest in conducting restricted trade for cotton and sugar. But several ministers in the Imran Khan regime opposed it. As the recent development ousted Imran Khan from the office, Mr. Mansha said that he is aware that newly elected leader Shehbaz Sharif was not against resuming trade.
He said that he believes trade will improve the relations between India and Pakistan. Mansha also spoke of resolving the Kashmir issue with "small steps" and opening Bollywood to Pakistani actors and IPL to Pakistani cricketers. The industrialist is considered to be one of the most influential voices in Pakistan.