New Delhi, July 4 (KNN) The Indo-Pak trade should be done in local currencies rather than in dollars in order to enhance the bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, according to the members of the visiting Jhang Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) of Pakistan.

Improving economic ties will help in resolving larger issues and political relations should not affect the prospective business ties between the two countries, said Imran Sohail, leading a 9 member delegation of Jhang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pakistan.

The trade in local currencies and without barriers will help small and medium enterprises on both sides of the border.  

He was speaking at an interactive session organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here yesterday.

He also expressed the hope that India will be granted the most favoured nation status soon and proposed that travelling between India and Pakistan should be made easy with the grant of multiple entry visas to multiple cities. 
Since Pakistan was facing energy crisis, he said that India could help Pakistan to meet its power needs.

First Secretary (Trade), High Commission of Pakistan,  Zirgham Raza mentioned that both the governments are working on technical aspects to facilitate bilateral trade between the two countries including issues related to visas, opening of bank branches and standardization of products.

While welcoming the Pakistani delegation, Vice President, PHD Chamber, Alok B Shriram said, "although the governments of both India and Pakistan are taking concrete steps to enhance bilateral trade, the business communities of both sides still face the problems of uncertainty of payments, ambiguity over the continuity of trade relations."

"There is a need to address these gaps and create a more conducive environment for bilateral cooperation," he further added.

He further added that the recent move by Pakistan to move to a negative list regime will present enhanced bilateral trade opportunities in many sectors. (KNN)