Wagha border: Indian traders demand route to Central Asia

Businessmen emphasise need of maintaining trade ties with Pakistan.

AMRITSAR: Indian Punjab traders have asked their government to resolve issues with Pakistan and make way for a transit route for exporting goods to Central Asia.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Chairman Suneet Kochar said, “Business between the two nations is a requirement and a necessity.
For Pakistan, it is more pressing because its economy is a little weak and for us it is a necessity because India is a growing country and Pakistan is our neighbour.“

He felt that the Wagha land border could be an idea transit route for trade with Central Asian countries, as Karachi and Mumbai were already using the route for trade. “Wagha border can be a gateway for business with north India, though there are many others also. However, Wagha suits all the industries that have been established in Lahore, whether it is by rail or road,“ he added.

According to reports, during the April-October 2009 period, total value of exports to Pakistan through the border was Rs2.99 billion, which fel to Rs1.05 billion in the corresponding period last year.