India-Pak commerce secys to hold talks to boost trade ties

Chennai:

India and Pakistan will hold talks to boost commercial ties between both the neighbours in next couple of months, according to Commerce Secretary S R Rao.

Speaking to reporters after the Open House Meet organized by Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO) here on Friday, Rao said he will be visiting Pakistan and will be holding a dialogue with Pakistan Commerce secretary in Islamabad either on August or September.

The talks are likely to focus on visa issues besides improving trade ties. FIEO president Rafeeque Ahmed said improving trade ties with Pakistan would favour India more and increase its exports to Pakistan.

Rao also stressed the need for banks to adopt electronic certificate to reduce transaction costs for exporters.

He also said the free trade agreement (FTA) between India and European Union may be concluded by the year-end. Negotiations for the FTA started in 2007.  He also said Commerce Department is also negotiating with Australia and New Zealand for FTAs.