New Delhi, July 08: Restoration of communication and transport links between India and Pakistan and liberalising visa norms for the businessmen from these two countries are among the suggestions India-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has made in a memorandum released here today. The joint memorandum has been signed by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry president A C Muthaih and the India Pakistan chambers of commerce and industry chief Ilyas Ahmed Bilour, and a copy of this document was presented to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee earlier today.

"Visas to businessmen from India and Pakistan should be allowed freely for visit to the respective countries on the recommendations of federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and FICCI," the memorandum says adding such visas should be valid for at least one year and allow travel to all cities of the two countries.

Besides, it proposed expansion of bilateral trade to all items other than those notified in the negative list between the two neighbours.
Stressing the need for efficient and cost effective transportation as a pre-requisite for promoting trade, the memorandum said, "There is an immediate need for restoration or introduction of rail, air, sea and road links between India and Pakistan.”

It said regional trade blocs are an effective tool for enhancing competitive strength in sale of goods and services globally while asking both countries to work towards making SAARC more effective.

Bureau Report