Pakistan delegation meets Ashwani Kumar

New Delhi, Apr 26 (UNI) A high-powered Pakistani business delegation led by Mr Muhammad Nasir Khan, President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry today called on Minister of State for Industry Ashwani Kumar.

The visiting delegation discussed a number of issues but in particular requested the minister to ensure that the visa regime for Pakistani businessmen coming to India should become more liberal.

Dr Kumar assured that the Government is committed in strengthening trade and economic ties with Pakistan and would take all steps to facilitate the same.

He said great complementarities exist between the two countries and greater trade and cooperation in the sphere of industry would only make both economies more competitive.

Such visits would help to promote people to people contact which would consolidate the desire and aspirations of the people of India and Pakistan to promote mutual goodwill and harmony between the two neighbours.

The Pakistani delegation was accompanied by Mr Sanjay Bhatia, President PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Two-way trade between India and Pakistan reached a record figure of 977.03 million dollar (April-October 2006). This comprises India's exports to Pakistan valued at 789.13 million dollar and India's imports from Pakistan valued at 187.90 million dollar.

India's imports from Pakistan have been growing at a steady pace 87 per cent in 2005-06 and 86 per cent in April-October (2006-07).

UNI