Cross border tensions between India and Pakistan, is casting its shadow on Confederation of Indian Industry fair, which started here on Friday, as Pakistani entrepreneurs have registered a poor turnout.
The 18th edition of the fair saw a poor participation from the neighbouring country as compared to the last year.
“This year there are only 35 stalls as compared to last year. Businessmen need peaceful environment for thriving,” said Khursid Barlas, chief executive of Pakistan World Trade and Expo Centre.
The four days shopping festival commenced at Parade Ground, Sector 17 on Friday. The grand fair acts as a platform for various leading Indian and International brands including FMCG brand, to exhibit their diverse categories of consumer durables and non-durables. It also explores business opportunities, opening new vistas and generates sales.
While talking to The Pioneer, Khursid Barlas admitted that the cross border tension between the two countries certainly affects their business.
“We don’t know who the one behind the conflicts. Nawaz Sharif is from a business community and he has given clear indications about improving the bi-lateral ties.”
“When we are in Pakistan, they say India is responsible for the tensions, however now we are in India, and everyone blames it on Pakistan. This buck passing is going on for long time but no one is ready to deal with the actual issue leaving many people in the bordering area and among the business community wary about the future,” he added.
Visa rules are becoming more and more stringent with time. Businessmen who have been visiting India for their business ventures time and gain are also subjected to a cumbersome process of inspection making it difficult for them, as the formalities are not only hectic but also time consuming which adds to the harassment, he said.
Businessmen wants the visa policies to be relaxed as it will not only encourage the businessmen but will also create a healthy atmosphere.
India and Pakistan can set up a ‘meeting point’ on a no-man land at the bordering areas of these countries for the business community, where they may move hassle-free to get their business assignment done, said Barlas.
He further added that open trade between the two countries near the border of southern Pakistan and western-central India can be fruitful for both sides.
The southern Pakistan area of Sindh and Karachi which has textiles industries and Pharmaceuticals industries can get raw material from India through west-central areas of Rajasthan and it can further supply manufactured materials to India.
“Pakistan has not imposed any restrictions on India’s import or export, but India allows only 800 items for export to Pakistan, which should be increased, trade between the two countries should be converted into ‘Investments’ at mass level, said the chief executive of Pakistan World Trade and Expo Centre.