Lately, both India and Pakistan have been demonstrating enhanced interest in the promotion of trade between two parts of the State through two points along the LoC, namely Salamabad in Uri sector and Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch sector. Exchange of trade was initiated in 2008 by an urge for building confidence among the people and forgetting irritants that have marred mutual relationship over so many decades. Also facilitating separated family members to meet one another was a humanitarian approach to the problem. However, for a number of reasons, many hiccups appeared in conducting smooth trade through these outlets. Let us forget those irritants and think in positive and productive manner. Chief Minister has visited Salamabad Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) and convened a meeting of high ranking officers from State and Central administration. He has issued a slew of instructions on the ground for streamlining infrastructural facilities that would contribute to improvement of trade across the LoC. With that he wants more people to people interaction and issuance of hassles free permission for cross border visits of students, cultural troupes, pilgrims and tourists. At the same time, more facilities like telephone connectivity, banking, restaurant, and other facilities will come up. Some time back the Home Secretary of the MHA had also visited the TFC and promised full body scanners to ease scrutiny of loaded trucks crossing the check point. With many constructive measures under consideration and fulfillment, the quantum of trade through these TFCs is likely to increase manifold. The quantum of trade conducted this year cumulatively is worth Rs. 1700 crore exported and Rs. 1400 crore imported via Salamabad in Uri while trade out and trade in figures for Chakan-da-Bagh, Poonch, stand at Rs. 500 crore and Rs. 460 crore respectively. It promises improvement with improved infrastructure. At the same time, a trade delegation from our side is also scheduled to visit Muzaffarabad this year in response to two trade delegations from the other side that have visited us in the past. We appreciate these initiatives and we are hopeful that the wisdom of expanding trade will be vindicated with positive results.
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