Punjab trade gets a boost with trucks allowed through Wagah

Cross border trade that began between India and Pakistan through the Wagah border recently is certainly helping Punjab.

By Ravinder Singh / Sunil Sharma

Wagah (Punjab), Dec 15 : Cross border trade that began between India and Pakistan through the Wagah border recently is certainly helping Punjab.

Since October, trucks at the Wagah check-post have been moving freely carrying consignments back and forth.

Over 100 trucks go through this check-post from both sides everyday. If India imports dry fruits and fresh fruits from Afghanistan via Pakistan, Pakistan permits imports of perishable items like vegetables and meat.

Consequently, cross border trade has witnessed a 300 to 400 percent increase. Traders want an exclusive gate for cargo now.

"We are trying to have a separate exclusive gate for cargo with dedicated fence path which will cater to exclusive movement of cargo itself. This is going to definitely increase the trade between two countries," said Sanjay Sharn, Joint Commissioner, Customs, Amritsar.

The expectations of improved movement of goods were mirrored at the second International Trade Expo in Chandigarh, where Pakistani craft and artwork, traditionally embroidered clothes and food were the highlights.

Around 15 exhibitors and artisans from Pakistan had direct interaction with the customers to highlight the exclusivity of their products.

"Industry in Pakistan and India are helping in bridging the gap, despite differences between the nations. These efforts have brought people together, the businessmen from both the countries", says P. K. Verma, Regional Director PHDDCCI.

Verma added: "PHD chamber can bring people together through business and trade. In addition to the exhibitors, we have a contingent of more than 300 visitors from Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi. They were very happy when they went around, met the people in the city. So it has really helped in bringing the two nations together,"

There is a lot more that is common and can be shared between the people of the two countries.

ANI