President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Senator Haji Ghulam Ali has asked The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to support Pakistan get World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade concessions.
In a letter to FICCI President Harish C Mariwala, Ghulam Ali who is also Vice President Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that India’s help will help foster trade ties between the two neighbours.
India has consistently opposed the granting of a trade-concession package offered by the European Union to Pakistan, but is also blocking a move to be counted as a Least Developed Country (LDC) at the WTO, the letter said.
The FPCCI president also noted in the communication that Pakistan says it is an LDC because of the setback to its economy on account of natural calamities and the war on terror. As an LDC, it merits to be eligible for EU concessions for which India’s disapproval may spoil bilateral ties. “India should not try to harm friendly ties which are being normalised through hard labour,” said Senator Ghulam Ali.
He asked Mariwala to use his good offices to stop India from opposing concessions to Pakistan. India should no more be in the forefront of a group of nations opposing the move aimed at benefitting Pakistan’s economy. ‘Mohali spirit,’ should not be dogged by the traditional mindset as the visit of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, his meeting with Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh and recent commerce-secretary level talks have broken the ice but confidence building measures were once again in trouble, Senator Ghulam Ali noted. He asked FICCI to play role to shun misgivings and ensure an environment that benefits both the neighbours. “India should be happy if Pakistan gets a concession that boosts our ailing economy as a stable Pakistan is also in New Delhi’s interest,” the letter concluded.
