India overturned its ban on foreign investment from neighbouring Pakistan on Wednesday, the commerce ministry said, in a move designed to build goodwill amid a renewed push for a peace settlement.
“The government of India has reviewed the policy… and decided to permit a citizen of Pakistan or an entity incorporated in Pakistan to make investments in India,” said a statement from the ministry. Apart from defence, space and atomic energy, Pakistani citizens and companies will be able to invest in all sectors a government statement said. All propositions must be notified to the Indian government, it added.
The decision to accept foreign direct investment from Pakistan was taken in April this year when the trade ministers from the two South Asian countries met in New Delhi. They also discussed ways to ease visa restraints on business travel and the possibility of allowing banks from both countries to open cross-border branches.
India and Pakistan are recently making efforts into “trade diplomacy” looking forward to build enough trust to tackle more troublesome issues that divide them, such as Kashmir.
The improved relations between the rivals stem from Pakistan’s decision to grant India “Most Favoured Nation (MFN)” status by year end, meaning Indian exports will be treated the same as those from other nations.
In further progress, the neighbours opened a second trading gate in April along their heavily militarised border, boosting the number of trucks able to cross daily to 600 from 150.
India permits foreign investment from Pakistan
