Tariq Sayeed, President Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Saarc CCI) and Iftikhar Ali Malik, Vice President Saarc CCI have hailed the joint statement of President Asif Ali Zardari and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for restarting composite dialogue between India and Pakistan and said that the meeting between them in Washington will instigate a new era of socio-economic co-operation which would positively impact on the South Asian region as a whole.
They regarded this initiative as an earnest commitment of the leadership of two major players of South Asia, reflecting their mindset towards resolving core issues, impeding socio-economic growth of the region.
"The decision to restart the stalled Composite Dialogue process will instigate a new era of co-operation between two countries and will positively impact the region as well" said President SCCI and appreciated the statement of Dr Manmohan that a peaceful, prosperous and strong Pakistan was also in India's interest and statement of President Zardari that peace with India was part of Benazir Bhutto's doctrine of peace, prosperity and progress and her vision for a better and improved South Asia.
President and Vice President Saarc CCI welcomed the under consideration agreement between two countries that would allow commerce across the Line of Control in Kashmir and open the land route for trade between New Delhi and Kabul.
He said that the decision for commencing cross-LoC trade on the occupied Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawlakot roads from October 21, 2008 and agreeing on opening the Wagah-Attari road link and Khokrapar-Munabao rail route to all permissible items of trade will facilitate trade between two countries. President SCCI said that the long-lasting demand for unfettered trade through this transit route and opening the road link will meet after these decisions are materialise.-PR