By opening of borders, India and Pakistan have fulfilled one of the major needs as per the peace pact signed in 2004 by both parties. The two South Asian states which are still in tug of war to gain control of the disputed Kashmir region, with this action, are expected to ease tension across the line of control which has been increasing in recent times.
Last couple of years has witnessed both countries introducing rail and bus routes to improve bilateral ties. The latest action of opening gates to trade is expected to help the local traders of both sides of Kashmir to come out from the economic crisis which had gripped the region since terrorism became order of the day.
Thirteen fruit and vegetable laden trucks were flagged off from the Indian side by the Governor Narendra Nath Vohra. The brief ceremony was marked by a mood of festivity with school children beating drums and crowd cheering the truckers to move across to Pakistan border. Though the traders believe this step would bring peace to the region, they were not sure of increase in trade opportunities. Likewise, trucks with raisins and rock salts from Pakistan are awaited to reach here soon.
Analysts stated the two-way trade through this region could reach $5 bn, but warned that it should not follow the same fate of Sino-India trade across Nathu La, North-Eastern border which connects India and china. The trade launched across Nathu La in July 2006 with great fanfare did not take off as expected till date to give enough boosts. The bilateral trade through Nathu La, 52 km from the Sikkim capital of Gangtok is the first direct trade between both countries since their war of 1962.
Fruit growers’ association from Jammu and Kashmir hopes the route would provide their produce to reach the eventual destination of Central Asia and Gulf through Pakistan. However, presently only four trucks will be permitted to enter from each side once in a week.
Toboc Trade News