Indian High Commioner TCV Raghavan being presented a memento during his visit to KCCI on Thursday. PHOTO: NNI
Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan has said that there is a need to focus on improving the business infrastructure while more cross-border points, particularly the Khokhrapar-Monabao, should be activated for trade.
He said this during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday.
The Indian High Commissioner appreciated the frontline role being played by the chamber with a view to improve trade and commercial relations between the two countries.
Commenting on the Indian visa policy, Raghavan assured that the High Commission of India was trying its best to expeditiously issue visas and facilitate Pakistani businessmen.
Responding to the hurdles being faced by KCCI members in obtaining business visa, the Indian envoy asked KCCI office bearers to forward a detailed list of businessmen and industrialists who did not get visas, promising that he would examine the cases one-by-one himself.
He also advised the businessmen that after thoroughly reviewing the requirements, they should apply for multiple entry visas valid for many cities.
He further advised the Karachi chamber to make arrangements for a video conferencing facility so that the visa section of the Indian High Commission could hold live interaction with the KCCI office bearers on a weekly basis in order to resolve issues.
Former KCCI chief Siraj Kassam Teli stressed that the business communities of both countries must move ahead and lead with a view to promote trade and economic relations.
Keeping in view the stagnant approach of bureaucracies and armies on both sides of the border, Teli said that the overall situation was likely to remain as it is, stressing the need for business communities to come forward and help resolve the issues.
He also sought the high commissioner’s advice on what business communities of the two countries should do to convince governments, politicians, armies and bureaucracies for resolving their disputes.
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) CEO SM Muneer appreciated the role played by the high commissioner and the Indian government towards facilitating the business community of Pakistan during their visit to India last year where they successfully organised the Aalishan Pakistan Exhibition.
He was of the view that in the present era of globalisation and changing dynamics, Pakistan and India cannot afford war and both countries must make efforts to create a friendly atmosphere while the business communities should also make coordinated efforts to create a win-win situation.
Muneer, while underscoring the need to enhance the existing trade volume, urged to reciprocally open bank branches, enhance flights and activate more cross-border trade points.
KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra stated that since taking charge of KCCI, he has been constantly receiving complaints from businessmen in obtaining visas from the Indian High Commission.
He said that the commission has been refusing business visas to even some of the most credible and reliable businessmen and industrialists, who have been frequently travelling to various countries including India.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2015.
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