Friday, October 7 2005 17:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: In an effort to boost economic relations between the two countries, Islamabad has invited traders from India and Pakistan to give proposals on opening of new trade routes other than the Wagah border.

"As per studies carried out only Wagah border is the most feasible route of trade by road. But we offer the traders of both sides to come up with proposals if they think there are more options to trade regardless of sea or land," Pakistan's Minister of State for Commerce, Hamid Yar Haraj, was quoted as saying by the 'Daily Times' today (Oct 7, 2005).

For trade through sea there was a proposal to initiate Karachi-Mumbai cargo service but it depended on traders of the two sides, who were the real stakeholders, he said, adding, the Government was also considering setting up warehouses at eastern borders to expedite trade with India through land routes.

"The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has suggested that development. Though the proposal has not been forwarded formally, we will consider it seriously and offer best facilities to increase trade volume between the two countries," he said.

The two countries had immense potential to multiply trade figures, but it needed removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers by both sides, Haraj said.

"For this I have asked business leaders of India and Pakistan to suggest solid and strong measures, which involve facilitation to traders of both sides."

Expressing surprise over the low volume of imports from India on permitted items, he said, "It is so unfortunate and we are feeling that there is a lack of interest on the part of traders.