Indian Punjab traders demanded the government to tie up with Pakistan and make way for a transit route for exporting goods to Central Asia. Suneet Kochar, Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said, "business amongst the two nations is a requirement and necessity. For Pakistan it is more because its economy is a little weak and for us it is a necessity because India is a growing country and Pakistan is our neighbour."
He felt Wagah land border could be an ideal transit route for trade with Central Asian countries. "Wagah Border can be a gateway for business with north India, though there are many others also but logistically as we are doing (business) in Karachi from Bombay. So Wagah route suits all the industries that have been established in Lahore by whether it is rail or road," CII Chairman said. According to reports, during April-October 2009 period, total value of exports to Pakistan through the border was Rs 299.14 crore, while during the corresponding period last year it was Rs 105.71 crore.