KARACHI: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) in India is preparing case of easing visa policy for Pakistani businessmen with the concerned authorities in India.

This was revealed by President SGCCI Kamlesh Yagnik during a meeting with Pakistani businessmen at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday.

“Every single Pakistani businessman is keen to do business with India,” Yagnik claimed while referring to his meetings with various representatives of Pakistani business community.

He said that trade between neighbouring countries need to be maximised and business communities should unite and work more closely in this regard.

Yagnik suggested that instead of trading in dollars, a currency swap agreement should be inked by both governments. On MFN status to India, he said that it would give rise to formal trade and result in taking the existing trade volume to new heights.

He said that it is possible to enhance the existing trade of $2 billion to $25bn in the next 10 years through collective efforts.

On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding for strengthening cooperation between the two chambers was signed by KCCI president Abdullah Zaki and Yagnik.

Zaki suggested end to visa restrictions, followed by development of trade infrastructure, adoption of trade facilitation measures, tackling the non-tariff barrier issue, promoting business-to-business engagement, settling investment and banking issues that hinder increase in trade volumes, identifying new trade options, and opening more crossing points for trade between the two countries.

Chairman of Businessmen Group Siraj Kassam Teli said that instead of leaving the task on governments and bureaucracies of Pakistan and India, the business communities of both countries must come forward and lead the way.

He further said that it was high time to grant MFN status to India. “Unfortunately, it is being delayed due to some bureaucratic hurdles on both sides,” he added.