MUMBAI, INDIA - “Pakistan has completed the formalities for giving India the ‘Most favoured Nation’ status after negotiating tariff related issues. However, we await the formation of the new Indian Government as we are keen in bringing the two countries together”, said H.E. Mr. Abdul Basit Khan, Pakistan High Commissioner during the inauguration of the “Made in Pakistan Expo 2014” organised on 4th April 2014 by Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, EVECON, WTC Mumbai and All India Association of Industries. 

Applauding the efforts of the exhibitors from Pakistan, Mr. Khan said that despite the geopolitical risks, the business communities of the nations have walked past the negative narratives. The business participants from India and Pakistan have instilled mutual cooperation, interest and trust amongst each other. The perseverance in commitment showcased by the exhibitors may serve as learning lessons for one and all.

Outlining steps towards for furthering the initiatives of the business community, Ms. Rukhsana Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of Pakistan, said that the “Most Favoured Nation” status for each other will open up the economies to trade and investment. It will serve to be a win-win situation for both the nations. 

Mr. Arshad Aziz, President of Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association, said that the “Made in Pakistan Expo 2014” will showcase the key strengths of Pakistan in the sectors of textiles, apparels, herbal products, footwear, cosmetics, etc.
Ms. Begum Salma Ahmed, Former Vice President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry, appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani exhibitors and Indian organizers and called upon replicating the exercise in years to come. 

Mr. Kamal Morarka, Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai extended a warm invite to the friends from Pakistan. Mr. Morarka said that it is the third occasion that the Exhibition is being held at WTC Mumbai, and WTC Mumbai will continue its support of the Government and the business communities of both the nations in their attempts towards trade, growth and prosperity. 

Earlier, in the welcome address, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice-Chairman, WTC Mumbai said India and Pakistan need to expedite the ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status between the two nations. The two countries now engage into business activities via third countries such as Dubai and Singapore. It is essential to establish one-to-one relation with each other. On the lines of the cooperation amongst the countries of the European Union, the South Asian countries need to promote the SAARC block. There is a need to liberalize artificial barriers such as visa regimes.

In photo above, H.E. Mr. Abdul Basit Khan, Pakistan High Commissioner along with Mr. Kamal Morarka, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and Mr. Arshad Aziz, President of Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association during the programme.

For more information on this article, please  please contact Y. R. Warerkar, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai, at executivedirector@wtcmumbai.org.