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India's visa rules affecting Indo-Pak eco ties: Pak Chamber

NEW DELHI: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry today said the Indian government has strict visa regime which has been affecting the movement of businessmen and economic ties between the two countries.

Trade barriers are being created and visas are not being granted. About 350 people from Pakistan applied for Indian visas, whereas only 32 visas were granted, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce Tariq Sadiq said at an Assocham function here.

Pakistan Trade and Economic Counsellor in India Naeem Anwar said, Pakistan is keen to facilitate trade from India.

He said that due to non-issuance of visa to their businessmen, Pakistan's export to India have been affected.

During 2009, India's import from Pakistan stood at USD 370.17 million, while export to Pakistan were USD 1.4 billion, he said.

Sadiq, who is heading a 26-member business delegation to India, said that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) recommendations related to trade and visa issues have been a great disappointment.

Saarc member-countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was set up with an aim to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region.

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com