Jammu: There is an urgent need to implement steps for removal of bottlenecks so as to take the trade across LoC to the next level, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said here on Thursday.
"PDP is seriously considering to work for removal of all the bottlenecks so as to ensure smooth trade across LoC enabling the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reap the benefits of the initiative," Mufti said while interacting with a joint delegation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Kashmir and Jammu.
The joint delegation had called on him here today to highlight the hardships being faced by the traders engaged in the trade.
"Restrictions imposed on free movement of people and commodities due to the hostilities between India and Pakistan only deprived the region of the vast potential of economic activities that could have changed socio-economic conditions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
He said this cross LoC trade was the most significant and historic Confidence Building Measure (CBM) between the two sides.
He said that unfortunately there has been hardly any improvement in the system established about six years back.
He said that there was urgent need to further facilitate this trade in the larger interest of the peace and prosperity in this region.
He emphasised on the need for credible banking facilities and proper communication system to harness the full potential of the trans-LoC trade.
"We want that the trade is taken to the next level and ensure that the bottlenecks are removed," the PDP patron said.
Expressing concern over the recent suspension of the trade, following recovery of a drug haul, he said, "High tech scanners can be put in place on the facilitation centers to ensure checking of the material which crosses the Line of Control through the trade routes."
