Tuesday, August 9 2005 16:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India today (Aug 9, 2005) suggested to Pakistan to consider opening up of Wagah-Attari land route for trade in larger number of commodities on a permanent basis.

As the commerce secretaries of both the countries began two days of parleys here, New Delhi outlined measures that needed to be undertaken to push up trade including liberalizing visa restrictions and simplifying shipping besides opening the Wagah-Attari land route for a larger number of commodities.

"This has the potential for creation of jobs by increasing ancillary activities along these routes. We can bring prosperity to villages, and breathe life into the rural economies on both sides of our border," Commerce Secretary S N Menon said in his opening address.

Pointing that it was time to address some of the crucial economic and commercial issues, Menon said, "Even though regional integration had its own logic and pace, we must endeavor on the parallel track to push our economic agenda in such a way so that it could bring wealth and prosperity to the people of both countries".

He said exchange of technology and skill between the two countries will help in enhancing the quality of goods at comparatively cheaper prices.

Outlining the areas of cooperation, he said, "Telecom networking between us would help close interaction between the citizens of the two nations. Tourism will ensure people to people contact and joint tourism projects will give fillip to tourism industry".

Delivering his opening remarks, Pakistan Acting Commerce Secretary Syed Asif Shah noted that both India and Pakistan and 'more importantly the people of both countries will gain from this enhanced bilateral trade and economic cooperation'.

"We have to remain mindful of the fact that growth in trade can be sustainable in the long run only if it is mutually beneficial for both the trading parties which in turn is dependent on availability of a level-playing field. Our efforts should aim at developing a model of win-win commercial relationship," he said.

He emphasised that Pakistani side had come to talks with an 'open mind' to move forward on all component of the composite dialogue in a constructive manner but said "For trade and economic interaction to flourish, it is essential to have a peaceful and enabling political environment."