Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s high-level business delegation, headed by Vice President Junaid Esmail Makda met Shrimati Rita Menon, IAS, Secretary Textiles of India in New Delhi and exchanged views regarding participation in trade fairs, exhibitions and cooperation in textiles, according to KCCI’s press release. He informed that a detailed discussion was held with Secretary Textiles on possible cooperation of Pakistan and India in the textile sector.
He stated that he came with a request from the Pakistani business community to support Pakistan in attaining GSP plus status in the European Union. He informed that due to floods across the country, the economy had faced a slowdown as crops were destroyed.
In the next session, India may support Pakistan as the matter was in the EU parliament and after some changes it is likely to be approved. He suggested tot the Secretary Textiles that for cotton, both sides should have an understanding that is beneficial for both countries.
Last year, cotton was sold and purchased between the two countries and this year both were expecting bumper cotton crops. He appreciated the initiatives taken by Indian Textile Ministry to boost textile exports.
She informed that several fairs and exhibitions were held annually and Textile Ministry was looking after the sectors of textile, cotton, jute, synthetic, technical textile, wool, lawn, handicrafts, fashion education and textile education with diversified responsibilities. She informed that every year, there were two fairs for garments, two fairs for gifts (handicrafts), two fairs for carpets, one jewellery and furniture fair, as the textile ministry had several divisions and separate export promotion councils for each sector. She said that the engagements were very large and she believed that the councils should inform and give information to Pakistani counterparts about what is happening in India. Secretary also emphasised that being neighbours, Pakistanis should participate extensively.
Makda emphasised upon narrowing down misunderstandings between the two neighbours for promotion of trade, particularly in textile and allied sectors. He informed that he was also the Chairman of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) and that the association is interested to open a sub-office in India. Makda informed that for year 2009-2010, Pakistani exports to India were $268.33 million whereas the imports from India stood at $1944 million. He highlighted the potential of importing raw materials and textile machinery from India. He was of the view that allowing two-way trade of BT cotton, textile machinery and raw material will have a major impact in enhancing bilateral trade. In 2009-2010, Pakistan imported textile machinery worth $297 million and in year 2010-2011 (July-May), the textile machinery import increased to $427 million. He urged to increase trade through the land-route.
He said that the KCCI delegation was on India’s visit for advocacy to promote bilateral trade and sign a cooperation agreement with Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry as desired by Commerce Ministries of two governments. He requested the Secretary Textiles to give her recommendation to the Secretary Commerce and Minister for easing visa procedures so that businesspersons from both countries can easily visit and pave way to enhance their businesses. He also requested for recommendation of textile machinery exports to Pakistan. Secretary Textiles, Shrimati Rita Menon, IAS, earlier, welcomed the KCCI delegation at the ministry. She highly appreciated the participation of the KCCI delegation in the 47th India International Garments Fair Exhibition.
She said that Indian Government is providing subsidies in textiles. Reforms were underway in terms of capacity building and producing skilled human resource. She said that there were flagship schemes like Technology Upgradation Funds Scheme which make lending rate more conducive. She said that tremendous investment was witnessed in last few years. Another flagship scheme was Integrated Textile Parks through which very good ‘clusterisation’ had taken place. The Ministry was also promoting technical textiles, handloom, handicrafts and supply chain management in the diversified sectors. Secretary Textiles emphasised upon keeping in touch with the Mumbai-based Cotton Exchange of India for cotton trade. She highlighted that the domestic sector was playing a vital role and during recession it kept them running when Europe and other countries were dropping their orders; therefore, the ministry supported the domestic sector.
She said that during the years, the Indo-Pak Government-to-Government interaction for cultural, social and economic exchange had increased. She appreciated the role of the private sectors of both countries in enhancing trade. Chambers and Trade Associations of both countries should be well integrated in sharing business information, exchanging trade delegations and participating in fairs and exhibitions. The meeting ended with comments that businessmen of Pakistan were keen to establish trade links with their Indian counterparts. Likewise, the Secretary Textiles assured that she will convey the submissions of KCCI to the Minister and concluded that there was a desire that we must move on with “Government-to-Government” and “Business-to-Business” collaborations.
