The existing bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and India is much lower than the actual potential of over $30 billion. These views were expressed by Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria while talking to businessmen and media during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday.
The Indian High Commissioner said the existing bilateral trade volume is around $2.2 billion. "Despite non tariff barriers and other issues, the bilateral trade between the two neighbouring countries is over $2 billion, however it is much lower than the actual potential", he said.
He thanked Pakistan for releasing an ailing Indian citizen on humanitarian grounds. "It is very positive gesture from Pakistan and we appreciate this step", he said. Pakistan released an Indian ailing citizen Jitendra Arjunwar, who was suffering from thalassaemia. He was handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah border. Arjunwar had crossed into Pakistan unintentionally five years back.
He said there is a need to take positive steps for peace in the region. HC said civil society should play its due role for peace and prosperity in the region. He invited concrete suggestions from Pakistani business community to ease visa process and to increase bilateral trade between both the countries. "We want to provide more facilities to Pakistani business community who want to visit India for their business tours or to attend any trade exhibition there", he said.
He said people from both sides should start efforts for peace and positivity. There should be a pressure group from both sides to give suggestions for peace and positivity, he added. Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner held a meeting with the office bearers of KCCI and senior members. Many issues related to bilateral trade and business were discussed at the meeting.
Many of the KCCI members expressed their views about the visa policy and police reporting during their visits to both counties. They gave many suggestions to ease the visa process and police reporting system for business community in the both countries. KCCI president Muffasir Atta Malik and former president Siraj Kassem Teli also spoke on this occasion while Anjum Nisar, Tahir Khaliq and other senior members were also present.