Nothing wrong with inviting Pak to VGS, we are happy, says Gujarat CS Dr JN Singh

Despite reports to the contrary, the Gujarat government is happy that Pakistan trade delegates will attend the Global Trade Show and the Global Conclave of International Chambers at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS), said Chief Secretary Dr JN Singh.

"There is nothing wrong in inviting Pakistan-based delegates," The Chief Secretary said on Friday, "In fact, we are happy that they are coming. The Gujarat Chamber for Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has invited them and is hosting them, and we welcome this initiative. It is not that we have zero business relations with Pakistan. We trade with them in cotton and other commodities."

It remains to be seen whether Pakistan accepts the invitation and GCCI has not received confirmation to this effect. While addressing the media on Friday, Singh shared details of the three-day biennial trade event and its new facets. He said a platform has been created for international chambers to come together and explore business opportunities, ideas and information about the ecosystem in their countries.

To facilitate this, GCCI invited about 253 international trade bodies, and about 35 have confirmed their presence. "None of the trade bodies is from Pakistan," says Jaimin Vasa, president of GCCI, "We hope everything will crystallize in a day or two. Then we will be able to tell which trade bodies will send representatives for the Conclave of Global Chambers."

Nations that have confirmed their presence include USA, UK, Thailand, South Korea, Belgium, UK, Canada and China.

Gujarat has business ties with Pakistan in textile, dyes, intermediaries and agriculture sectors. Business leaders are of the opinion that efforts should be made to strengthen business ties with the neighbour. "If we are inviting China, why not Pakistan," said a business leader.