Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Shiv Shankar Menon informed the business community that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would visit Pakistan next year. Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) he said Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers have already agreed on the issue to open bank branches in each other's country. Now, Indian and Pakistani governments have also directed their central banks to prepare plan in that regard, he added.
The Indian envoy said both the countries have many things, which could be included in trade list to boost two-way trade.
He pointed out signing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Sir Lanka has benefited Sri Lanka more as compared to India. Sri Lanka got a very big market. Likewise, Pakistan would also get a big market, he added.
Replying to a question on the construction of Baglihar dam, he said India would continue to abide by the water treaty.
Menon further said India would provide 100 scholarships to Pakistani students in different fields.
He said India was taking serious steps against fundamentalists.
Regarding gas pipeline, the High Commissioner said negotiations on that issue were in progress and hoped that good result would come up soon.
About visa, he said last month the Indian High Commission issued record number of visas to 10,000 Pakistanis. About opening of the visa section in Karachi, Menon added the visa section had been renovated and repaired in Karachi. However, it was still not decided as to when that sector was going to start work.
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