ISLAMABAD:
Experts at a roundtable discussion have urged increased bilateral trade between
India and Pakistan as trade could be a catalyst for peace by enhancing
bilateral relations, increasing economic growth and reducing poverty in the
region.

The
roundtable on “India Pakistan Trade: Post Conflict Scenario” was organized by
Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Tuesday. Speaking on
the occasion former Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi highlighted the sheer need
of long-term policy planning in Pakistan.

He
cited Chinese example, where they set long-term goal of increasing middle class
income and all state policies were directed to achieve this goal.
“No matter what relations China had with foreign nations, this long-term goal
was never compromised,” he added.

The
former ambassador asked Pakistan to follow Chinese suite and place long term
strategic goals.

Ejaz
Haider, Senior Advisor, SDPI referred to the fact that regardless of the
relations between the countries around the world, usually the trade continues
uninterested. Mohsin Khalid, Former President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and
Director, Ittehad Steel deplored poor infrastructure, extremely expensive
container transportation and the dismal security situation that causes needless
delays in the transportation of goods.