IPEX holds out hopes for small-scale units

Small entrepreneurs have reasons to cheer at IPEX-2005, because they have received a positive response from Pakistani delegates. They hope once most-favoured-nation status is given to India, their trade will get a boost.

Talking to Business Standard, the senior vice-president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Malik Sohail Hussain, said, "We import raw materials from China and European countries. Once free trade is allowed, we will prefer importing agricultural and steel machinery, as well as textile products from India. The machinery here is cheaper as well as durable."

"We are geared to meet the challenges, although there are certain items in which they have advantages," Hussain said.

Hussain said next year there would be three exhibitions in Pakistan, showcasing Indian products, and India should import rock salt from Pakistan.

An industrialist from Pakistan said there was immense potential for Indian companies in the automobile sector.

Pakistani delegates are making inquiries on the feasibility of entering into joint ventures in different sectors for production, and a few MoUs have also been signed, according to a spokesperson of PHDCCI.

The CEO of Paramount Pharmaceutical of Islamabad, Nasir Qureshi, said, "We have a formulation unit in Pakistan. As far raw materials are concerned, we import them from India only. We are here to get buyers because India has huge potential in allopathic drugs.

The government of Pakistan is keen on liberalising trade with India and we are hopeful of positive results."

Pakistan Minister for Communications Chaudhury Zahiruddin, who visited IPEX 2005 along with Pratap Singh Bajwa, Punjab PWD minister, described this joint exhibition as a small step towards realising larger potential.