Pakistani bike makers eye Indian market

Pakistan-made bikes like the Star CT 125-7 and DS-70 may soon be seen on Indian roads. The Made in Pakistan exhibition, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), hopes to open the floodgates for Pakistani businessmen to access Indian markets.

"Many Indian businessmen are interested in our products and that is a very positive development. The politicians have had it their way for the last 50 years, and now we industrialists want to have it our way," General Tyres Executive Marketing Director Nasser Kamal said.

The Pakistan-based General Tyres is looking for collaborations with Indian companies to market their products.

Similarly, Pakistani automobile components firm Agriauto, which supplies to automobile giants like Toyota and Daihatsu, is scouting for business deals with Maruti and Tata Motors.

The star of the show was Pakistani bike company Star. The bikes, marketed by Delta Innovations in Pakistan and West Asia, could soon make their way into India if the company strikes a deal with Indian manufacturers. But, this may just remain a suspended animation if the governments refuse to budge on regulation issues.

The exhibition at the Talkatora Stadium housed 80-odd stalls, which included telecom products, textiles, handicrafts, ceramics, glass bottles and surgical products.

"India could be a good retailing base for Pakistan. We have been exporting shirts to the UK and the US, and are now eyeing India. I am eagerly waiting for the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) to come into force so that we can get a pie of this market," Cotton and Cotton Chief Executive Alam Najiullah said.

There were about 12 women entrepreneurs who are here to test the Indian market. They are demanding special incentives from both the governments and have their eyes set on the post-SAFTA regime.

If all goes well, Pakistan may go beyond exploration and establish their brands in India. But, the wishlist has to be approved by the respective governments.