Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) wants manufacturing based trade with India and does not want Pakistan to become a market for Indian finished goods. This was stated by PAAPAM chairman Nabeel Hashmi while talking to Business Recorder on his return from India after attending the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi here on Wednesday. Hashmi led a 50-member PAAPAM delegation to the Indian Expo 2012.
Hashmi said that PAAPAM delegation called on Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik in New Delhi and exchanged views on trade with India and MFN status issues during their stay in India. Malik appreciated the value addition being done by PAAPAM members to the Pakistan economy and promised his full support to the engineering base of Pakistan. He assured the delegation of taking cognizance of Pakistan's local industrial set up and its concerns whilst discussing opening of trade with India.
Hashmi said PAAPAM has made clear to the concerned quarters that the Association will always welcome manufacturing and technology based investments from India. Further all trade openings should be two ways rather than one way. PAAPAM's concerns on Non-Tariff Barriers were also made known to the Pakistan High Commissioner, he added.
Hashmi regretted that the Reserve Bank of India has imposed restrictions on Indian industrialists to invest in Pakistan, while the Indian government has also placed several restrictions on issuance of visas to the Pakistani nationals. He said PAAPAM's participation in the Indian Expo-2012 was a good experience, as over 850 exhibitors from 22 countries participated in the show, which included auto parts makers, global cars, two wheelers, trucks and buses were on display.