ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: The bilateral trade between Pakistan and India is likely to touch $1 billion during the current financial year (2005-06), a top Indian business group said on Friday.

It said that trade between India and Pakistan would double to $1 billion in the current fiscal year.

India-Pakistan trade grew by 76 per cent in the March-September period as compared to the same period in 2004, the group added.

Trade between the two neighbours is now “expected to double by the end of the current fiscal,” a private TV channel reported.

“Promotion of bilateral trade between India and Pakistan holds immense significance for economic growth and stability in South Asia,” the group said.—APP