The Hindu Business Line : Pak team sees scope for boosting trade ties

A HIGH-LEVEL business delegation from Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today called on the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Arun Jaitley, as part of the ongoing confidence-building measure between New Delhi and Islamabad to bury the hatchet and engage each other in a composite dialogue covering several identified areas for mutual co-operation and economic benefit.

The KCCI delegation was led by its President, Mr Siraj Kassam Teli, who told newspersons that his region from Pakistan specialise trading in cotton yarn and fabrics, garments and hosiery, synthetic textiles, raw cotton, rice, leather and leather products, sports goods, carpets and rugs, fish products, surgical and medical instruments and fruits and vegetables.

He further said that KCCI feels that without a developed and sophisticated social infrastructure, Pakistan could not achieve major breakthrough in socio-economic development. It is in this context that the KCCI has adopted various measures for the promotion of education and health services.

Briefing newspersons later, Mr Jaitley said that both sides identified the areas of co-operation and discussed how business visas could be further eased to facilitate two-way trade volume, taking due advantage of the changed perception in relations and the peace dividend this has brought about in bilateral relations. Mr Jaitley also pointed out that India is emerging as a big source for healthcare for the neighbouring countries. Escorts is building a speciality hospital in Amritsar for which enquiries were being received from across the Wagah border.

"There has been a spurt of delegations from Pakistan. These are positive steps which would promote bilateral trade and joint ventures in the long run," Mr Jaitley said adding, "Indo-Pak trade figures currently are not reflective of their potential. I feel it should also grow with the easing of tensions." He saw substantial scope in the areas of tea, entertainment industry, healthcare, information technology and pharmaceuticals from India and cotton, power and textiles from Pakistan.