Commerce Secretaries of Pakistan and India would meet here on Wednesday, April 27 and discuss various trade related issues in order to increase the Pakistan-India economic engagement. Indian Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar, along with a six-member delegation, will arrive here on April 26 to hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Zafar Mehmood on trade related issues. “Talks would continue for two days on April 27 and 28 to cover various trade issues with an aim to boost trade among neighbouring countries,” sources told APP. This will be the second high-level interaction between the two countries after the resumption of dialogue on all bilateral issues.
Home secretaries of the two countries met last month, followed by an informal meeting between their prime ministers at Mohali, on the occasion of Pakistan-India Cricket World Cup semi-final match. Sources stated that the two sides would try to settle outstanding issues and explore ways to boost the cross-border trade. Among other issues, export of cement from Pakistan to India and import of cotton from India to Pakistan would feature in the discussions, besides development of trade infrastructure along the Wagah border, sources added.
Pakistan will seek relaxations from India on cotton export as the latter has started re-evaluating contracts from Pakistani buyers, which they had signed with Indian exporters till October-2010.
“All contracts, till October 2010, should be fulfilled on old agreed prices. However, for future cotton contracts, prices should commensurate with international prices” sources added.
Sources maintained that Pakistan would also take up the issue of enhancing the time period of cement inspection by Indian quality control authorities from one year to three years. Indian officials usually visit Pakistani cement units once in a year. The visit, this year, was delayed by six months that created hurdles in exporting cement to India, they added.
Both sides will also discuss ways and means to improve trade infrastructure facilities on both sides of Wagah border to facilitate the business community. Removal of non-tariff barriers would also be discussed during the two day deliberations, sources said, adding that relaxation in imports of Pakistani products by European Union is also part of discussions.
