RAWALPINDI: Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawala on Friday said there were tremendous opportunities to improve trade relations between India and Pakistan.

“The trade volume between the two countries is very low, and this has to be enhanced. The two countries should move forward, and the peace process can flourish through the economic corridor,” he said.

“To improve these ties, the visa facility is being made easier and traders are being provided with the utmost facilities. Frequent visitors and big traders are being offered three year multiple visas, and others are getting two year and one year multiple visas based on grading,” he said during a visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Friday.

The Indian envoy said India is a big market, and like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Pakistan can also benefit from it. “The business community wants an ease in political relations between the two countries, as it is in favour of the masses in both countries,” he said.

He said prices of necessary goods could be reduced once the trade volume increased. “This will ultimately help the common man,” he said.

Mr Bambawala also spoke about India-China relations, saying that in 2000 the trade volume between the two nations was just $1 billion, and had now reached $75 billion. He said this should serve as an example.

He appreciated suggestions by traders, such as a drop box facility, police reporting and the relaxation of the age of aged persons from 65 to 60.

Mr Parvez said the trade volume between Pakistan and India was $2.4 billion, which he said was very low. He said Pakistan’s exports to India amount to $402.7 million, or 1.6pc of its overall exports.

He said this must be increased, and suggested delegation exchanges and single country exhibitions as a way to introduce products to each other’s markets.

The high commissioner was also given a presentation on RCCI’s upcoming events.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2016