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CII plans confidence-boosting mission to Pakistan

The Confederation of Indian Industry will lead a 19-member delegation to Pakistan Saturday in yet another initiative to boost bilateral economic co-operation.

The visit of CII International mission to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore from September 1-4 will coincide with the 3rd South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation Trade Fair to be held in Karachi.

Jagdish Khattar, managing director of Maruti Udyog Limited and deputy chairman of CII Northern Region, is hopeful the trip will help "build confidence between the business communities of both the countries and establish a platform for a conducive, result-oriented dialogue".

Talks on political and economic issues between the two countries have to be in tandem with each other, although the onus lies on the political leadership of the two countries, CIII said Thursday.

The visit comes close on the heels of the visit of Pakistan Commerce Minister to India to attend the SAARC Commerce Ministers meet to formulate a common strategy for the WTO ministerial meet at Doha, Qatar.

In an interactive meet with industry representatives, Pakistan Minister for Commerce, Industry and Production Abdul Razzak Dawood sought inputs to iron out some of the impediments to bilateral trade between India and Pakistan, which is a low $200 million. But unofficial trade including through third countries is estimated at $1 billion.

CIII has requested meetings with senior government officials in Islamabad.

The mission will also meet industry associations and various trade bodies in the three Pakistani cities.

CIII is also coordinating the India Pavilion with the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at the 3rd SAARC Trade Fair to be held from September 1-6 at the Karachi Expo Centre.

Companies with business interests in auto components, engineering goods, pharmaceutical and personal care products will participate in the India Pavilion at SAARC Trade Fair.

Godrej Ltd, Usha International, Siel Ltd, L M Engineering Company and Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies are some of the key exhibitors.

Indo-Asian News Service

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