Exploring trade ties

Pakistan is one-sixth India’s size and has 170 million people with about the same per capita income as India’s. Its agricultural base is strong but its manufacturing and service sectors are far less advanced than India’s. Consequently Pakistan’s imports of consumer products, raw materials and intermediates are much larger than India’s as a percentage of its gross domestic product. Its import policy is fairly liberal and tariffs moderate. However, owing to the political and territorial differences with India there are many restrictions on direct trade. In 2004-2005 direct mutual trade was $ 602 million (exports $ 509 million, imports $ 93 million). Indirect trade (via Dubai, Singapore, etc) is estimated to be over five times this figure. Besides, there is substantial trade across the border.

Relations with Pakistan are gradually improving and there are bright prospects of official trade being gradually opened up as it is largely in Pakistan’s interest to do so – Indian products being much cheaper than those imported from developed countries and quality far superior to those manufactured within that country.

We believe this is the time to explore possibilities of trade and even investments, in both countries, not only directly but also through third countries such as USA, Europe, Middle East and Australia/New Zealand where Zoroastrians have a significant presence. Alliances can also be established with non-Zoroastrian businessmen and manufacturers to penetrate this lucrative and fast growing market.

We in the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce are fortunate to have as our honorary member Byram Avari, a leading businessman and a very well connected figure in Pakistan. He has generously agreed to invite about 25 Zoroastrian entrepreneurs (established or budding who are genuinely interested) to Karachi for five days to make an on-the-spot assessment of the possibilities. He will also provide logistical support and help arrange appointments/meetings with appropriate persons in business and Government. This will provide a unique opportunity for exploring this large and prospective market at minimal cost but — most importantly — will help save lot of time, effort and cost.

The trade delegation members are expected to arrive in Karachi on September 8, 2007 and depart on September 13, 2007. Interested members should send an e-mail giving details of their business (manufacturing/trading/service) to the Bombay chapter chair, Edil Katrak (who will lead the trade delegation) at synochem@vsnl.com, with a copy to our international director — technical, Yazdi Tantra at yazdi@on-lyne.com, along with a detailed company profile and the completed questionnaire available on our website www.wzcc.net. Zoroastrians who have been in business for a minimum of three years are eligible to apply.

For information and other details please contact Zarin Khan between 10 a.m. and 12 noon on 022-32968175 or by e-mail: wzccindia@on-line.com

YAZDI TANTRA