Key Takeaways:
– FOPSIA urges Lok Sabha members from Punjab to advocate for a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan.
– The agreement is seen as crucial to saving Punjab’s struggling industries.
– Resumption of trade via Wagah was promised during the General Election.
The Tribune India has highlighted an urgent appeal from the Federation of Punjab Small Industries Associations (FOPSIA), emphasizing the critical need for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Pakistan. The online publication reported that FOPSIA has written to all Lok Sabha members from Punjab, urging them to demand that the Centre expedite this agreement to rescue Punjab’s struggling industries from collapse.
Badish Jindal, president of FOPSIA, reminded that during the General Election, BJP candidates assured businesspersons that if the BJP came to power, trade with Pakistan through Wagah would resume swiftly. The Tribune quoted Jindal stating that a motorway to Attari was also promised to facilitate this trade. Now that the Union Government is in place, Jindal emphasized that these promises should be fulfilled as soon as possible.
“Pakistan is largely exempt from import duties for it remains a ‘poor country’. As a result, Indian businesses can use Pakistan to export their goods to other countries.”
Jindal expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of Punjab’s industries. He noted, “Today, Punjab’s industries are falling behind rapidly. Given the distance from the ports, iron and other raw materials are becoming more expensive, and the production of bicycles, sewing machines, machine tools, auto parts, and fasteners in Punjab are now loss-generating ventures.” The publication further highlighted that being a border state with Pakistan limits Punjab’s business opportunities, leading the state to become heavily dependent on agriculture.
In his appeal, Jindal pointed out the mutual benefits of trading with Pakistan. He stated, “Pakistan is largely exempt from import duties for it remains a ‘poor country’. As a result, Indian businesses can use Pakistan to export their goods to other countries.” He also mentioned that many Chinese companies have already established operations in Pakistan to exploit this advantage. Through Pakistan, Punjab’s businesses could potentially trade with Russia, Europe, and Arab countries by road, which would be highly profitable.
The Tribune underscored FOPSIA’s urgent call to action, stressing that securing a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan is crucial for reviving Punjab’s industries and tapping into new, profitable markets. The association believes that such an agreement is essential for the economic stability and growth of the region.
Source link: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/fopsia-writes-to-mps-to-open-trade-with-pakistan-636633
