A 20-member first ever trade delegation of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AJK-CCI) left here for occupied Srinagar on Thursday morning on a weeklong visit aiming at opening avenue for exchange of bilateral trade between the two sides the LoC. The trade delegation is led by AJK-CCI President Zulfiqar Abbasi.
The delegation will visit Srinagar, Sopur, Baramula, Shopian and other major hubs of business activities to meet the business community of the occupied valley to discuss various matters of mutual trade between both sides of LoC besides other issues of mutual interests.
Later the delegation will also leave for Jammu to interact with the local business fraternity of Jammu region for exchange of trade across the LoC. Prior to departure, AJK-CCI Leader Zulfiqar Abbasi told newsmen that the advent of cross-truck service on Muzaffarabad-Srinagar and Rawalakot-Poonch crossing points would bring the business community closer.
He said the trade delegation of AJK-CCI was visiting IOK in the light of the recent decision taken by India and Pakistan about starting cross-LoC truck service for exchange of trade between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar from October 21, this year.
Abbasi called for early revival of all other historic natural routes on LoC and other effective steps to encourage and promote the exchange of trade between both sides of Jammu and Kashmir state. To a question, Zulfiqar Abbasi said that during visit to IHK, a list of items, to be exchanged through trade, would be finalised with the mutual understanding with the business community of occupied Kashmir.
He added the trade agreements would be signed with the local business community of IHK during the scheduled trip of the trade deputation from AJK. He hoped that the exchange of trade between either side of LoC would be beneficial for the people of J&K living both sides of LoC, and said it would lead to promoting peace process between India and Pakistan for reaching to ultimate resolution of all long-standing issues including Kashmir between the two countries through peaceful means.