After two days of discussion and negotiations of secretaries of commerce form both countries, an agreement has been reached to boost trade between the two countries on a mutually beneficial basis. It is good news for both countries people and businessmen who wants to promote peace, understanding between the two countries through trades and economics ventures.
This was the fifth meeting between the Pakistan and India on opening of trade between the two countries since 2008. The anticipated potential of trade between the two countries is about $10 billion according to trade experts.
The present official level of direct trade between the two countries is about $1.5 billion which exclude Indian origins materials and equipment worth more than $2 billion is entering Pakistan from Dubai and by smuggling. The most encouraging development at this meeting was agreement on allowing the private banks to set up their branches in each other countries.
Free movement of goods and people between the two countries will help them to develop understanding to solve the political dispute which has been hindering their cooperation in the economic field. The politicians of both countries can concentrate on eradication of poverty, illiteracy, which is the common enemy of both countries. Let the competition be between the two countries in the field of sports, IT education, non-violence, decency, and respect for human dignity and rights.
S T HUSSAIN
Lahore