ISLAMABAD: The millions of people are becoming poorer as India has kept the trade volume within Saarc countries at very low level.
Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) President Dr Murtaza Mughal alleged that India wants to dominate the region, which is biggest hurdle in improving trade and standard of living of people of this region. He said that India is the biggest and most irresponsible economy in the region forcing businessmen of India and Pakistan to use third country for trade which jacks up cost by around 35 percent.
Dr Murtaza said that Pakistan has always supported and encouraged the regional cooperation but it has not helped take bilateral trade to desired level due to negative Indian attitude.
Cordial relations between Pakistan and India will have a very positive impact on the region as it will reduce political struggle, poverty and lawlessness for which visa relaxations, confidence building and understanding is badly needed. Pakistan biggest trading partner must not be a country or an economic block located in the far-flung corners of the world but a neighbouring country, said Dr Murtaza.
Bilateral trade can be enhanced to 20-25 times which has been impeded by tariff barriers, shambled infrastructure, useless tensions, costly transport, red tapes, stringent customs procedures, and visa restrictions etc.
