India and Pakistan are working towards easing movement between businessmen of the two countries.
The neighbours are working on a mechanism to issue multiple-entry and reporting-free visas for businessmen as part of reducing non-tariff barriers for greater trade and economic ties, Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, Mr Shahid Malik, said here on Monday.
He was speaking at a meeting organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). The new visa agreement will facilitate multiple-entries for businessmen from both sides on no-reporting basis for one year at a time.
This issue was also discussed on Sunday during the meeting between Pakistan's President, Mr Asif Ali Zardari, and the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.
“I hope it will be signed formally soon between home secretaries of both countries. In the next two days, the commerce secretaries of Pakistan and India will also sort out other non-tariff barriers which have already been identified,” Mr Malik said.
The move is likely to reduce non-tariff barriers between India and Pakistan and facilitate smoother trade and economic ties.
Also, Mr Malik said Pakistan will grant India the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status by the end of this year.