The Ministry of Commerce has allowed Indian companies to display all items whether in positive list or negative list in India Show being organised in Lahore. Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma is scheduled to visit Pakistan from February 11 to 16 on the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart Makhoom Amin Fahim.
As a precursor to the minister's visit, the Government of India is organising India Show from 11th to 13th February, showing the best of Indian industry, cuisine and culture. Over 400 exhibitors will be participating in the show and a delegation of 100 strong CEOs will be accompanying the minister to Pakistan.
"Yes, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has approved a summary of Commerce Ministry in which it was suggested that all Indian items irrespective of negative or positive lists should be allowed to display in the show," said Secretary Commerce, Zafa Mahmood in a chit chat with the reporters after the Standing Committee meeting.
Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry is expecting to get Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status for his country, but reports suggest that Commerce Ministry has begun dragging its feet in the grant of the MFN status to India in response to concerns by some parliamentarians, the establishment and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and business community. The sources said Commerce Secretary was visiting different chambers personally to assure them that local industry would be protected through different legal tools.