Pakistan delegation arrives in Kashmir for trade across LoC

Uri, Oct 10 : A 20-member delegation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Pakistan administered Kashmir arrived here last evening to discuss modalities for trade across the Line of Control (LoC).

The delegation, which is on a seven-day visit to the Kashmir valley, is the first such delegation from Pakistan administered Kashmir in a span of more than half century.

"It's one of the strongest Confidence Building Measure (CBM) taken by India and Pakistan for the revival of the trade ties after a long pause of 61 years. I think it will strengthen the economic relations. Obviously, Kashmir from across the LoC will be benefited of it," said Zulfikar Abbasi, president of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Pakistan administered Kashmir.

"We are very happy over the beginning of the trade. The people who have come here and those who would visit Pakistan administered Kashmir would bring peace to the region," said Shakeel Qalander, president of Federation of Chamber of Industries, Jammu and Kashmir.

India and Pakistan have agreed on arrangements to open a border route for bilateral trade in Kashmir.

A joint working group comprising senior government officials from both countries held talks on starting border trade in Kashmir.

Officials said bilateral trade would help improve ties between the two countries.

ANI