Attari, April 29
Pakistan has given positive signals regarding granting India the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status.This was revealed by Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar, who returned today after attending a two-day meeting with his Pakistani counterpart. “Yes, there is a positive response from the Pakistani government. The final decision is expected by October 2011,” said Khullar, while talking to mediapersons here.

He expressed hope that the just-concluded meeting would provide right kind of impetus to trade between the two nations. “The trade — currently estimated between $2-2.5 billion — would get a further boost after India gets the MFN status,” Khullar said.

“The mood during the talks was very positive and both governments decided to move forward on various issues. We agreed on specific and time-bound decisions, which would be implemented in six months. After six months, we would meet again to review implementation of these decisions. I would invite my Pakistani counterpart, Zafar Mehmood to New Delhi,” he added.

Other issues, which came up at the meeting, included opening of bank branches in each other’s country, liberal visa regime for business community, investments and infrastructure spruce-up on the either side of the joint checkpost to facilitate trade. The two secretaries have also agreed to set up committees for exploring new business avenues. Pakistan authorities also took up the issue of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB), which, according to them, were hindering the open trade to India. The Indian delegation asked for the list of NTBs and assured them to look into this issue. 

“The business community there also wanted opening of the traditional business corridor (Lahore-Amritsar) between the two countries. The completion of Integrated Check Post (ICP) within next four months would also boost trade ties,” said Khullar.