Kolkata: The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the apex trade body of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) nations, on March 27 urged member nations, including India and Pakistan, to keep business away from political differences and sign the SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement) treaty without further delay to foster better trade relations in the region.

"Much to the disappointment of businessmen in the region, the political differences between countries have taken primacy over all issues of regional co-operation and economic prosperity," SCCI president Padma Jyoti told reporters after the chamber's 27th executive committee meeting.

Pointing out that trade between India and Pakistan had also suffered due to the turmoil at the border, he urged governments of both countries to restart flights and rail links, which was also coming in the way of free movement of businessmen of the entire region.

SCCI vice-president from Pakistan Jamil Mehboob Magoon and his Indian counterpart A C Muthiah agreed that the countries were losing out on a huge business opportunity across the borders due to "lack of political will".

"Political differences are definitely making a dent in the trade between India and Pakistan. While only seven per cent of the exports from India go to Pakistan, the reverse flow is even worse," Magoon pointed out.

He said the herbal medicine and motorcycle sectors had a huge potential market in Pakistan and the Islamic Republic was grossly under-exploiting the mollasses and dates market in India.

Muthiah said India could tap medium enterprises like tea blending, plastics and cars in Pakistan.

PTI