Pakistani industry asks Indian govt to ease visa procedures

NEW DELHI: A Pakistani industry body asked the Indian government to ease visa procedures to facilitate the movement of businessmen and boost economic ties between the neighbouring countries.

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( FPCCI) said the tough visa norms are hurdles to trade.

"Visa issue is a major issue, that is the biggest handicap in trade. The way we are treated by immigration authorities... We have to wait for 20 days to get the visa, while Indian friends get it in two hours," FPCCI President Sultan Ahmed Chawla said here after his meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.

Chawla is believed to have raised the visa issue with Sharma.

"Unless there is no movement, business cannot grow," he said.

Bilateral trade between the countries increased to USD 1.84 billion in 2009-10 from USD 868.79 million in 2005-06.

He raised the issue of increasing non-trade barriers between the countries with the Indian commerce minister.

"The minister was very positive... he will take all those steps which are needed to overcome these non-tariff barriers," Chawla added.

He said both nations should facilitate the opening of branches by their banks in each others' territory.

The top ten items exported to Pakistan by India include petroleum, cotton, oil meals, spices, man-made yarn, fabrics, pharmaceuticals and plastics, while among the top items imported from Pakistan into India are cement, leather, chemicals, petroleum and cotton yarn.