Amritsar, 3 December, 2011: To further improve the trade between the two countries especially through Punjab, the visiting delegation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) headed by Sheikh Irfan Qaiser, President, LCCI and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry lead by R S Sachdeva, Co-chairman Punjab Committee after due discussions, signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual co-operation.
Sharing the details of the MoU, Sachdeva said that both the Chambers shall facilitate the exchange of information about the products and manufactures of products; and respective buyers, sellers and service providers in both the countries.
Sachdeva further informed that both the Chambers shall plan strategic trade delegations to either country. Further, as per the MoU, joint exhibitions for products and services in India and Pakistan shall be organized in both India and Pakistan. Both LCCI and PHD Chamber shall strive to expand and develop bilateral relations and cooperation in the fields of trade, industry, investment and other economic fields between the both countries.
Commenting on why PHD Chamber chose Amritsar as venue for PITEX, 2011 everytime for the last four years, Sachdeva said, “Amritsar being nearest to the border, suits best for the businessmen and traders and trade via Amritsar only shall promote trade and investment in Amritsar in particular and Punjab in general.”
Sachdeva shared that PHD chamber also agreedto participate in the “Made in India” show in Pakistan in April next year, being organized at Lahore.
Sheikh Irfan Qaiser, reiterated “With the new decision of Most Favoured Nation, MFN, going to be announced soon by Government of Pakistan, I see great opportunity in growth of trade and business specially MSMEs”.
Such exchange of delegations go a long way to promote peace, harmony, love, and friendship, said Qaiser, adding that unless we have affection in our hearts, it would not be able to have growth in trade.
Qaiser further stressed, “A beginning has to be made without sitting and having discussions on the impediments and the negative list. Once the confidence between both the countries grows, the negative list can be revised again.”
“We can fetch a lot of bilateral trade between Pakistan and India which can go upto $ 10 bn from the present $ 2.7 bn within 2-3 years, said Qaiser showing great optimism.
Terming the moment of signing the MoU as historical, Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Punjab who was also present on the occasion, said that with the execution of this MoU, the aloofness between both the countries shall be shattered and peace and harmony put forth.
Ms Saida Nazar, Vice President, LCCI, Mian Anjum Nasar, Past President, LCCI, Madan Lal Bagga, State Minister, Punjab, Narrottam Ratti, Chairman, Punjab Trade Board, Satish Dhanda, Vice Chairman, R S Marwaha Director, Trade Board, representatives of Amritsar Shawl Club, Mohali Industries Association, Batala Machinery Manufacturers Association, Bath Fittings Cluster, Focal Point Industries Association were also present on the occasion.
