CHAKWAL, Jan 20: Border barriers between Pakistan and India are preventing the two neighbouring countries to enhance bilateral trade that in consequent will bring prosperity to the people on both sides. These views were expressed by a 21-member trade delegation from Indian Punjab, led by Sanjiv Bawa of Indian Punjab Chamber of Commerce, that reached on a short visit to Katas on Friday.
Mr Bawa said Pakistan could attract Indian investors in many sectors especially in tourism. Moreover, Pakistani Rock Salt could find a big market in India, he said.
India, in the wake of growing bilateral ties with Pakistan would be able to import wheat, sugar, tea and cycles. Indian tyre industry would also be able to sell its products in the Pakistani market, he said while talking to this correspondent.
In response to a question Mr Bawa said the trade volume between the two countries at present was around $800 million in addition to $200 million that was being done through countries like Singapore.
The bilateral trade has the total potential of $10 billion, he said.
Ratan Singh Hans Pal, a member of the delegation, said the potential of bilateral trade if exploited would bring prosperity to the masses of the two countries.
People of both the countries especially on both sides of the Punjab were very hard working, said Mr Hans Pal.
Pakistani shoes and garments could find a good market in India besides many other things, noted the Batala-based trader, Satpal Sehdev, who mainly manufactures agriculture tools.
“My Victorian style benches are known for the quality and design”, said the Sialkot-born trader, who seemed to be quite enthusiastic in improving trade ties.
Besides selling many of his products he was interested in many Pakistani item being cheap in rates.
He demanded of the Pakistan government to constitute a committee to look after the pilgrimage site and offered that the Indian business community would provide fund in this regard. Mosques in India were very well protected, he said. “Pakistan is a beautiful country and the people here are pretty nice”, said young Vijay Abrole.
But it was very depressing to note that shrines and temples were in a shabby condition and were not so well looked after, noted the quite frank trader adding that the Pakistan government should improve the situation.