Indian commerce secretary Rahul Khullar, who on Tuesday crossed over to Pakistan for the two day trade talks said that Pakistan must adhere to trade obligations under the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
Khullar, who will be meeting his Pakistani counterpart in Islamabad during a meeting from April 27 to 28, said, "I think Pakistan is hesitant in giving a MFN status to India even though we have given them the status. But they should at least not impose any restrictions on trade under SAFTA."
The commerce secretary who led the six member delegation, before leaving for Pakistan also inspected the construction work of the Integrated Check Post coming up at the Attari border. The Commerce secretary was also informed by the officials there that how this ICP will be helpful and what will be its capacity for handling trade.
Hoping for the improved trade relations between the two nations, the Commerce secretary said, "It will best if the things discussed in the forthcoming meeting are implemented. We hope to build stronger trade relations with Pakistan. Things are moving in a right direction as both the countries are talking and this will follow good results as well.
Everything which is good for trade will be discussed."
Claiming that he will take up the demand of giving easy visas to Indian businessmen, Khullar also met the Indian exporters who had reached the border to make him aware about the issues faced.
{{/usCountry}}Claiming that he will take up the demand of giving easy visas to Indian businessmen, Khullar also met the Indian exporters who had reached the border to make him aware about the issues faced.
{{/usCountry}}The exporters told the commerce secretary that how the duty free trade on the Kashmir Border was bringing loses for them.
Khullar assured the traders that once he is back from Pakistan he will look into the entire matter.
The Indian commerce secretary was received by the Customs officials from Pakistan and the Pakistani commerce secretary Zafar Mehmood.