There is a need to focus on improving trade infrastructure to a much greater extent while more cross-border points, particularly Khokhrapar-Monabao, should also be activated for trade.
Indian High Commissioner TCA Raghavan said this while speaking at a meeting during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday.
The high commissioner appreciated the frontline role being played by Karachi Chamber with a view to improve trade and commercial relations between the two countries. Commenting on Indian visa policy, Raghavan assured that High Commission of India was trying its best to expeditiously issue visas and facilitate Pakistani businessmen.
Responding to the grievances being faced by KCCI members in obtaining business visa, the Indian envoy asked KCCI office-bearers to forward detailed list of those businessmen and industrialists who did not succeed in obtaining business visas. He will personally look into every single case in order to facilitate the business community of Karachi.
He also advised the business community that after thoroughly reviewing the requirements, they should apply for multiple entry visa valid for many cities which would help in dealing with many issues currently being faced by them.
He further advised the Karachi Chamber to make arrangements for video conferencing facility so that the visa section of Indian High Commission could hold live interaction with KCCI office-bearers on weekly basis in order to resolve visa-related issues which would expedite visa issuance process.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Businessmen Group and former president KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli stated that business communities of both the countries must move ahead and take lead with a view to promote trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Keeping in view the stagnant approach of bureaucracies and armies on both sides of the border, Siraj Teli opined that the overall situation was likely to remain as it was so the business communities of Pakistan and India will have to come forward and pressurize the governments to sit on one table in order to resolve Kashmir, water and other issues between the two countries.
He also sought Indian high commissioner’s advice on what business communities of the two countries should do to convince governments, politicians, armies and bureaucracies for resolving their disputes otherwise they will not be able to move ahead.
Siraj Teli said the businessmen and industrialists of both the countries were keen to enhance trade ties but, according to him, the governments, armies and bureaucracies were not allowing it to happen and continue to enjoy perks.
Chief Executive Officer, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), SM Muneer, who also attended the meeting, appreciated the role played by High Commissioner of India in Pakistan and the Indian government towards facilitating the business community of Pakistan during their visit to India last year where they successfully organised Aalishan Pakistan Exhibition.
