Three trade pacts to be signed during Anand Sharma's visit to Pak

Islamabad, Feb 13 (ANI): Three agreements would reportedly be signed during Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma's three-day visit to Pakistan beginning on Monday.

A customs cooperation agreement will be signed to avoid arbitrary stoppage of goods at each other's ports, another for acceptance of certificates of internationally accredited laboratories and the third one for the removal of grievances in the case of any disagreement.

The Dawn quoted a senior commerce ministry official, as saying that the agreements would be signed on Wednesday.

Sharma's visit will mark the first visit by an Indian commerce minister to Pakistan. Top Indian businessmen and over 150 entrepreneurs and exhibitors will accompany the minister, who during his stay will also call on President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

On Tuesday, Sharma will meet the business community in Karachi and visit an 'India Show' in Lahore. A one-time import of Indian goods, which are not on the positive list, has been allowed for the three-day show ending on February 13.The issue of multiple entry visa for businesspeople of both countries will come under discussion during the Indian minister's visit.

Pakistan has already decided to increase the number of importable items from India and will allow only a limited number of products on the negative list. Currently, only 2,000 items on the positive list are allowed for trade with India.

A source in the commerce ministry said the new negative list was expected to be approved by the cabinet on Tuesday. (ANI)