Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 23: Asserting that cross LoC trade between Srinagar-Muzaffarabad is one of the most significant Confidence Building Measures taken by the Governments of India and Pakistan, the Minister of State for Industries & Commerce, Home and Tourism, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo today underscored the need to make it hassle free trade activity for enhancing mutual trust and confidence between both sides of the State.
Speaking at a joint meeting of the officers of Industries & Commerce Department and members of Salamabad-Chakuti Traders Unions here today, Mr. Kichloo said that initiation of cross LoC trade across J&K in October, 2008 has signaled the beginning of a new era, adding that this trade had stopped six decades ago in 1947. He said this is a great step towards normalizing relations between two neighboring countries of India and Pakistan through economic and human interactions.
The Commissioner/ Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Shantmanu, Consultant cum Coordinator cross LoC Trade, Zahoor Ahmad Shah, Director Industries & Commerce, Kashmir Tariq Ahmad Mir, Director Custodian Ehasan-Ul-Haq, Presidents of the cross LoC Traders Unions, Mohammad Tariq Khan and Javed Ahmad Makroo and other officer bearers were present in the meeting.
Mr. Kichloo said that the Government will provide all the possible facilities to boost cross LoC trade, Adding that Trade Facilitation Centers at Salamabad Uri and Chakan-Da-Bagh Poonch have been established at a cost of Rs.8.95 crore and Rs.7.95 crore respectively on fast track basis with a view to facilitating LoC trade in a big way.
The members of the cross LoC Traders Union in their memorandum demanded check on alleged un-necessary harassment caused to them and urged to make the trade a viable economic activity. They said that cross LoC trade is an important CBM. The role of Customs Department in cross LoC Trade was also discussed threadbare. The traders also demanded single window clearance system at Trade Facilitation Centers besides one time settlement to export their pending stocks of coconut, garlic and ginger, which have been reportedly banned by the customs authorities.
They also sought their representation in the ensuing Pugwash Conference scheduled on 26th August 2013. They also sought travel permits to meet their counterparts across LoC. They demanded to increase the number of items on the approved list.
Other demands made by the traders in the memorandum include storage, security and insurance of Goods, additional warehouse, and cold storage facilities at TFCs, creation of Director General of Trade to enhance coordination between the customs and custodian department as well as security agencies at both TFCs and creation of banking facilities to change existing barter trade.
The Minister assured the traders that the demands will be taken-up with the concerned authorities for their solution.
Follow our WhatsApp channel