“The previous road map that was agreed upon, the timeline has expired. So the principal purpose is to put review the road map and revise the timelines. And then start making progress on what we hope will eventually, not in too distant future, take us to normal trading relations with India.” Asked if he was satisfied with the trade ties between the two countries, Khan said, “Trade does not happen in a vacuum”.
He explained, “What we have found is that substantial progress was made in 2011-12 but then other events intervened and not only blocked diplomatic progress but also trade progress. And this is one of the other things that I wish to convey to my counterpart and the Indian government.” “Now after 66 years of independence, we should be able to have a relationship which is not dependent on single events,” Khan said.
The minister said it is a fact that “unfortunate incidents” have happened like LoC tensions and Mumbai terror attacks but talks should go on.
Bilateral trade between India and Pakistan touched USD 2.6 billion in 2012-13, an increase of 34.4 per cent over last year's USD 1.94 billion.
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