Exports To India Likely To Touch $500M

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr TCA Raghavan said on Wednesday that trade between Pakistan and India has improved substantially to $2.5 billion, and it is expected that Pakistan’s export to India would surge to $500 million this year for the first time.



During his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mr Raghavan said the opening of Khokhrapar-Monabao passenger train service has paved way for a host of opportunities for both countries to boost trade.



Highlighting the need for normal trading activity between the two countries, he said the resolution of all issues, including law and order, terrorism, and the Kashmir, through dialogue was inevitable.



Mr Raghavan also lauded the role of business communities of both nations, saying they were the catalyst for the overall progress in trade ties between the two countries. Efforts must be made by both governments to effectively deal with the visa issues, he added.



Former KCCI president and Businessmen Group chairman Siraj Kassam Teli said that although trade ties between Pakistan and India had improved, a lot more needed to be done. He said the task of improving bilateral relations should not be left only on the governments and bureaucracies.



“It is heartening to note that business communities of both sides have come forward to enhance trade ties, which will ultimately leave no other option for both the governments but to do the same,” he added.



Mr Teli suggested that Indian visa policy restricted city-to-city movement of Pakistani visitors which must be relaxed and Pakistani business community should be allowed to move freely.



Underscoring the need for focusing on enhancing regional trade, he said that instead of focusing on expanding international trade to other countries, priority should be given to improve regional trade by encouraging trading activities amongst Saarc countries which currently remained limited to six per cent only.



“On the other hand, this regional trade amongst EU countries has risen to 70pc and it was around 40pc amongst Asean countries. These countries have been progressing, but unfortunately our region is far behind,” he added.



KCCI President Abdullah Zaki informed that Indo-Pak relations had progressed well with the passage of time but some major obstacles, including ending visa restriction and non-tariff barriers, required attention.



“Both countries have renewed interest to take concrete steps towards further intensifying their relations in the areas of trade, economy and investments,” he added.



Source:- dawn.com