In yet another confidence building measure, a business delegation led by Siraj Kassam Teli, president, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry met Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi on Thursday.
The Pakistani delegation eager to boost trade and economic cooperation, between the two countries, showed keen interest in areas such as textiles, IT, auto parts, entertainment and pharmaceuticals.
"There has been a spurt of delegations from Pakistan. These are positive steps, directional, and would promote bilateral trade and joint ventures in the long run," Jaitley said while briefing newspersons.
"Indo-Pak trade figures presently are not reflective of their potential. I feel it should also grow with the easing of tensions," he added.
He said SAFTA would immensely help the two countries to make a real beginning in trade, adding that there were several common areas where both could benefit.
Jaitley pointed out that India could become a hub for small car exports and Pakistan offered a huge market considering cars similar to Maruti 800 were being sold at 40 per cent higher prices there.
He saw immense scope in areas such as tea, entertainment, healthcare, IT and pharma from India and cotton, power and textiles from Pakistan.
The delegation sought relaxation in visa rules for business visitors from Pakistan and evinced interest in setting up joint ventures.
It was also appreciative of the manner in which the commerce minister had spearheaded the cause of developing countries at Cancun, Mexico and stressed that the two countries should fight the battle together at the World Trade Organization.
