NEW DELHI, July 27: Pakistan-India secretary level talks under the composite dialogue, scheduled to commence on July 31 here, will focus on removing hurdles in enhancing economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

Briefing journalists here on Friday, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan in India, Mr Afrasiab, said the two-day fourth round of talks would also review the agenda of the previous talks held in Islamabad in March 2006.

A 12-member delegation from Pakistan, led by commerce secretary Syed Asif Ali Shah, will arrive here on July 30 to take part in the talks which will be followed by a meeting of the joint study group on Aug 2. Indian commerce secretary J. K. Pillay will lead his delegation at the talks.

Mr Afrasiab said the agenda of the talks included opening of bank branches in each other’s country, issues relating to transportation of goods and transit trade, joint registration of Basmati rice and establishing linkages between capital markets. Facilitating businessmen in getting visas would also be discussed.

He said both the countries were expected to discuss holding trade exhibitions for introducing their products.

Both the countries have agreed on upgrading trade facilities at the Wagah-Attari border.—APP