Fanfare and aplomb with which facilitating trade between two parts of divide State was announced two years ago is not met with what is really happening on ground. No doubt on Government to Government level, there is brisk interaction to see that this confidence building measure is pursued and made a success. Commerce Secretaries of the two countries have been meeting and sorting out issues one by one and thus paving the path for hassle free trade between the traders of two parts of the State. But they are not the only party that matters. Experience has shown that unless all components of comprehensive dialogue between the two countries are resolved to implement confidence building measures in right earnest and develop effective coordination among all components, trading across the LoC may remain lame and partially crippled.
A hundred traders, 38 from our side and the rest 62 from PoK side, met at Chakan Da Bagh meeting point along Poonch-Rawlakote alignment to discuss the issues obstructing smooth conduct of trade or its expansion. Three hour long discussion clarified many cobwebs and also produced agreement on dealing with the case of defaulters on both sides. It is noteworthy that from PoK side, the Director General of Trade, Pakistan also participated. It testifies to the seriousness with which the other side wants to proceed with the business, and is a healthy sign. The one issue of defaulting traders was resolved amicably. The meeting decided to exchange the names of defaulters and the amount they failed to pass on for the goods traded so that they are told to resume trading of goods to cover the arrears.
The fact of the matter is that if both countries want that trade across LoC should become the hallmark of lasting friendship then they will have to address the difficulties of traders with all seriousness. In their previous meeting and in many more meetings, the traders have identified some major hindrances in expanding trade and making it result oriented. Lack of international banking system, absence of rapid electronic connectivity, listing of more goods to be exchanged, hassle free clearance for customs and security etc. are some of the major issues in the way of increasing the quantum of trade across LoC. The traders have submitted memorandum to respective governments exhorting them to adopt realistic and practical approach to cross border trading in the State. It is important for the governments of the two countries to show respect to the initiative of the traders who are braving many difficulties on either side but persevering with the odds in the hope that one day they will be able to run trade as freely as is the practice under internationally accepted norms of business. At present, initiating trade along the LoC appears only a half-hearted enterprise. Unless two things are put in place the initiative will not come up to expectation and these are banking facilities and electronic connectivity. The primitive barter system is not the way. Moreover, rapid fluctuation in currency rates on account of reaction or response to international market plays its role. As has been pointed out, one of the reasons why certain traders have defaulted in meeting the target is this fluctuation in currency rates.
In regard to logistical support to the enterprise, it is disappointing to note that no step has been taken in this direction. A hundred and odd traders from both sides met in open to conduct business dialogue. There is no proper place where the traders would sit and deliberate. Officials on both sides assisting in this type of interaction should recommend respective authorities to provide supporting logistics without loss of time. Perhaps some apprehension may be lurking in the mind of authorities on both sides about security concerns if the trade expands fairly. Well, security concerns are there no doubt, especially with authorities on our side. This is because of the on-going militancy in Kashmir and tacit involvement of religious extremists in Pakistan. Even one or two cases of clandestine import of fake Indian currency have also been discovered in the process. But there is and can be elaborate mechanism to forestall such misadventures. One or two stray incidents should not become the rule. We need some self-confidence to overcome such apprehensions. In final analysis, the two governments have to do more to see that cross LoC trade serves the purpose for which it has been initiated, viz. building bridges of confidence.
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