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Pak to discuss MFN for India

March 18, 2005 21:17 IST

Pakistan said it was willing to work with India on New Delhi's demand for Most Favoured Nation status.

"We want to work with India on MFN. There are problems and that is why we have decided to talk. If there is a
sustained political dialogue, progress can be made on any issue," Pakistan Commerce Minister Humayun Akhthar Khan said at an interaction with Indian industry on sidelines of the G-20 ministerial meeting in New Delhi.

'US aware of Pak's defence needs'

He said there were issues on the trade front like Pakistani goods facing technical barriers which were being discussed by the Joint Study Group at the Commerce Secretary level.

Emphasising that these were confident building measures, he said there were many more areas where both countries could talk.

'War the only option to resolve Baglihar dispute'

Welcoming Indian cabinet's decision to start energy talks with Pakistan, he said it was a very positive sign and Pakistan was open to all options.

"India may like to buy power from Pakistan. We have huge potential in coal and gas-based power plants... these are the areas where we can sit and talk. Let it continue to build faith in each other," he said.

However, he cautioned against impatience.

'Musharraf sincere about talks'

"The two nations have decided to talk. This process must continue. Let's not get impatient. I am very positive if political vision is there then something good will come out," Khan said.

He supported the idea of joint business councils between the industry of both the countries saying that the JBC could
be looked into.

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