Trade only way to improve deteriorating relations: India's HC

Indian High Commissioner has said that trade is the only way to improve the deteriorating relations between his country and Pakistan and said that Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry could play a vital role in this regard. Indian HC Gautam Bambewale stated this while meeting LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder, here on Wednesday. Chamber's former presidents Mian Muhammad Ashraf, Tariq Hameed, Mian Anjum Nisar and Muhammad Ali Mian also present on the occasion.
Gautum said, "There is no better way of improving bilateral relations than mutually beneficial economic ties." He told his hosts that the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry intended to organise a trade show in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan at the Expo Centre in Lahore and LCCI should act as an active part of this event.
Indian diplomat also said, "Indian government has recently commenced multiple visas for three years exclusively for businessmen. This includes visit of 15 Indian cities exempted for police reporting. Moreover, the businessmen can travel to India by road and return via air."
LCCI Senior Vice President Hyder said on the occasion, "Traders of both the countries are facing various issues which are impeding trade and economic activities on both the sides." "Currently, non-tariff barriers being faced by Pakistani exporters are creating enormous problems. Both countries should find ways to cut down the number of non-tariff barriers because one or two bad experiences lead the exporters to change their minds," he said. He also proposed opening of consulate offices in Lahore and Amritsar to speed up the process of visa endorsement.
"Our economies should supplement each other for growth and we need to identify areas of economic cooperation. Joint ventures, outsourcing and sharing of technology will further pave the way for trade expansion. Good trade and economic ties between the two countries will pave the way for progress and prosperity, not only in Pakistan and India but in South Asia as well," he added. He also discussed about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and other upcoming opportunities with his guest. They also called for increase in border-crossing hours at the Wagha border.