Non-tariff barriers still exist: Indian HC

14/03/2015 12:00 - 532 Views

KARACHI: High Commissioner of India TCA Raghavan has suggested a new start to entire Indo-Pak trade policy saying that non-tariff barriers still exist in trade between India and Pakistan, while market access to India is restricted.

Raghavan, addressing the media and members of trade and industry at the Federation House on the invitation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), said Pakistan is not trading with India on the same way as it is dealing with other trade partners, “Whole world is treated in one way, India on the other way,” he said.

High commissioner said non-tariff barriers and market access to India remains an issue and other countries trading with India also cite this concern.

“In 2014 we had come closer to treat each other as normal partner but it was not successful,” he said.

Addressing queries of participants on visa issues, he said visas to patients of India and Pakistan will be given between 24 hours and two-day period on urgent basis for treatment in each country.

He said businessmen of the two countries are at ease with each other, but some things had progressed while others did not.

Air connectivity has taken a step back, issue of cell phone connectivity was still at the same level and position on regulatory mechanism is also unresolved, he added.

“I am hopeful we can do something about the visa issue,” he said, “But, we have to look at the whole environment.”

Chief Executive Officer Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) SM Muneer said Pakistan India Chamber of Commerce is not effective, he wanted to hand over his portfolio as chairman to India but Indian partners are not willing to visit Karachi, he complained.

India has increased visa span from three to 10 cities but it should have been increased to the whole country, as is practiced in Europe and other countries, he said adding that the visa period should also be extended to three years.

Muneer suggested that India should open its office in Karachi and facilitate tourism as well.

Earlier, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Mian Muhammad Adrees said the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry is organizing several exhibitions in India with collaboration from Indian counterparts.

Raising issues of visa, he said Pakistani businessmen seek cooperation of Indian High Commission in issuance of visas, as genuine businessmen were also having problems in getting Indian business visas.

He suggested that visas should be issued within seven days instead of 45 to 50 days, as is practiced.

Source: the news.com.pl