LAHORE: Head of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for Arabia and South Asia Region, Goutam Gosh said that organising a successful India Show in Pakistan was a great achievement.
While talking exclusively with Customs Today, he further said that with enhanced trade ties, both Pakistan and India can achieve welfare and prosperity. For providing easy access to each other’s markets, both sides need to focus on quantity and quality of products.
He said, “Trade volume among South Asian countries is hardly 5 per cent, whereas, the region is home to one-third of total world population. Other developed countries need buyers to purchase their goods but we have goods as well as buyers in our region. All we need to do is to open up markets. We have to explore more ways for furthering trade ties. And for that purpose we ought to search new markets and develop interest.”
He added, “Our economies will progress more quickly if we explore regional markets and enhance trade with neighbouring countries, instead of looking towards other regions. We have to compete in business activities rather than arms race to improve the living standard of our own people.”
He said that trade via land routes would be easier. We should make procedures pertaining to trade through land routes as feasible and favourable.
While giving full credit to FICCI, LCCI, SAARC CCI and governments of Pakistan and India for making this exhibition a success, he also admitted that Pakistani business community extended their vigorous response in this regard. He said, “Our business-to-business meetings remained highly productive. We are grateful to Pakistani government for facilitating Indian businessmen.”
Gosh appreciated Customs Today team for launching a first-ever independent newspaper of business people especially customs community.
