"Can't India and Pakistan trade goods in terms of Rupee instead of dollars since the two countries have same currency?"
A Pakistani businessman posed this question to External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh at an interactive session between the Indian minister and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Karachi.
The businessman's contention was that by trading in dollars, there is a substantial economic loss due to conversion.
Responding to the query, Singh said he would refer the matter to Finance Minister P Chidambaram.
Most of the Pakistani industry leaders, keen to have greater trade relations with India, also insisted that the two countries exploit the land proximity to increase bilateral business.
Trade between the two neighbours is abysmally low because of tariffs and efforts are being made to correct the situation.
In its attempt to encourage trade between the two countries, India has promised to issue visas to the business community within 10 days.
The Indian High Commission in Islamabad is issuing about 10,500 visas monthly and this number is expected to grow after reopening of the Indian Consulate in Karachi in January.
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