Deriving encouragement from the improvement in bilateral ties and to give a spur to people-to-people contact and trade, India and Pakistan, on Friday, opened a modern trade gate, equipped with a dedicated passenger terminal and sprawling cargo facility.
Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by Commerce Minister, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, and other dignitaries from Pakistan, inaugurated the new trade gate.
From the Indian side, Home Minister, P Chidambaram, along with Commerce and Industry Minister, Anand Sharma, and Indian Punjab Chief Minister, Prakash Singh Badal, opened their Integrated Check Post (ICP).
Talking to media, Shahbaz Sharif, welcomed the initiative taken by both the neighbouring countries to boost bilateral trade.
Experts were of the view that it would prove beneficial for bilateral trade, which was expected to grow after Pakistan removed restrictions on imports from India last month, shifting trade from negative to positive list regime. According to Indian media, it was the first of its kind Integrated Check Post (ICP).
ICP comprising 118-acre passenger terminal, manned by immigration staff is equipped with 16 baggage X-ray scanners.
It also had a 4,700 square metre cargo handling facility and 55,000 square metre parking space. With the help of 230 close-circuit TVs, the area would be guarded by Indian Border Security Force, officials said.
Excepting about 1200 items, Pakistan now allowed import of all other Indian goods even as only about 135 items were allowed through land route.
