Will business come calling to J-K?

With an eye on the markets in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Pakistan and Central Asia, the business fraternity in Jammu and Kashmir is upbeat about the first ever proposed visit by a business delegation from PoK.

With an eye on the markets in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan and Central Asia, the business fraternity in Jammu and Kashmir is upbeat about the first ever proposed visit by a business delegation from PoK. The proposal comes at a time when ideas like creation of free trade zone in the undivided Kashmir and promoting trade between two Kashmir is generating much political heat.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) president Dr Mobeen Shah told The Indian Express over the phone that a 15-member trade delegation of Azad Jammu Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry, led by its president Zulfiqar Abbasi will visit J-K next month. They will take the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad peace bus.

He said according to reports the delegation will cross LoC through Kamaan bridge at Chakothi and again take the Poonch-Rawalakot bus route after visiting Srinagar, Jammu and other major business hubs. There the delegation will meet members of the business fraternity of the state.

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Emphasising that the visit is vital and could prove to be a milestone in the history of the region, Shah said that it could herald the very beginning of intra-Kashmir trade that can change the socio-economic profile and face of Kashmir on both sides. “Simultaneously boosting the Indo-Pak peace process,” claimed Shah.

He further added that the visit of the business delegation has come in the wake of the two-day Indo-Pak foreign secretary level talks held in May 2 and 3 last years in New Delhi. In the meeting it was agreed to launch bilateral trade between the both sides of LoC.

He added that last year India and Pakistan had also agreed on the launching of truck service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad. ‘’But somehow that didn’t materialise. Our 70 member trade delegation that was to visit PoK was reportedly not given clearance by Pakistan. But now I think the situation has changed and the trade between the two sides is being seriously considered,’’ he said.

Though the KCCI chief said that a list of products for trade has been drawn up a lot of question remains unanswered. ‘’We have prepared a list of more than a 100 items. But we are waiting for the Center’s approval and what can be duty free? Or whether the trade will be restricted to Kashmir or Jammu origin products only?, he said.

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Stressing that there is great potential in trade of handicrafts, horticulture products, shawls, garments, carpets and dry fruits, Shah says: “At present Pakistan buys Kashmiri carpets via Dubai. If trade is allowed, we will immensely benefit from the same.” Trade with PoK will also indirectly provide them access to the markets in Pakistan and other Central Asian countries, which will translate into huge economic benefits for the traders in the state.