Closer Indo, Pak relations termed must to further economic growth

KARACHI: Strong relations between India and Pakistan are vital to foster economic growth of both countries, said Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Sharad Sabharwal.

“India is keen to resolve trade ties with Pakistan and endeavoring to address its concerns, be it a non-tariff barriers or Visa issues,” he said while speaking at a meeting with members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here Saturday.

Regarding concerns over non-tariff barriers, he said such a matter was not Pakistan-specific but with other countries as well. He recalled the meeting of commerce secretaries in September this year wherein both dignitaries discussed in detail various trade issues including trading of petroleum products and import of locally manufactured goods.

He said a positive outcome of such a meeting would be witnessed soon. He appreciated the gesture of Pakistan for conferring on India the status of Most Favored Nation (MFN).

Mr. Sabharwal also expressed his hope that both countries would soon get preferential trade under South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). He told that interior ministries of both countries were working on liberalization of Visa issues.

Vice Chairman Businessmen Group and Chairman Board of Investment Zubair Motiwala said stressed that India and Pakistan should segregate between political and economic relations. He said it was an unfortunate situation that two major members of SAARC were not trading with each other.
Motiwala said there was no fear among Pakistani nation regarding MFN status to India, saying it would pave the way for regional trade.

KCCI President Mian Abrar Ahmed and Chairman BMG Siraj Qasim Telli also spoke on the occasion.