Trade route to peace welcomed

The Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS), a leading consumer group in India and working internationally, on Monday welcomed India and Pakistan’s move to take trade route to peace.

“Boosting trade and investment across borders will be the most significant confidence building measures that the two countries are taking. Revival of the Joint Business Council should move forward to devise implementable actions so that consumers from both the countries benefit,” said Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary General of CUTS.

In a statement, he pointed out that at present, Pakistani consumers were paying huge prices for commodities like tea and automobile parts as they were imported from sources other than India. Similarly, Indian consumers would benefit from imports of textiles and handicrafts from Pakistan.

“Two countries should also explore complementarities in the production of specific items and the benefit of approaching the Central Asian markets jointly. India should look Pakistan as a transit to Central Asia, whereas Pakistan should use facilities in India to get better markets in South and South East Asia,” he said.