Border trade to start in Kashmir

Border trade to start in Kashmir
WATCH VIDEO
Source: CCTV.com | 10-02-2008 08:49
India and Pakistan have agreed to open a border route for bilateral trade in disputed Kashmir. People in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir are welcoming the deal.
A joint working group of senior government officials from both countries met in the Indian capital New Delhi earlier this week to discuss the trade route.

In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, many believe the agreement will benefit people on both sides.

Sahibzada Mehmood Ahmed, Lawyer, said, "It will promote free trade and competition. People will be able to buy commodities easily and at cheaper rates. I think this truck service will prove to be a landmark."

Nazir Hussain Shah, Fruit Vendor, said, "It's a message of prosperity for the people and business. This is a very good agreement. It will enable people on both sides to meet each other."

The trade will begin on October the 21st, on the Poonch-Rawalakot route and also the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route.

A trade center and truck terminal near the Chakan-da-Bagh crossing point on the Line of Control was under construction.

The neighbors opened a landmark bus service linking Muzaffarabad and India controlled Kashmir's main city Srinagar in April 2005, and have put forth proposals to open more road links across Kashmir.

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News & Politics

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• Pakistan
• Kashmir
• India