Jammu chamber wants J&K-PoK trade routes opened

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Jammu, has sought the assistance of European countries for putting pressure on Pakistan for opening trade routes between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Jammu & Kashmir in order to boost the economy of the region.

A visiting delegation from Finland, Germany and Portugal and a delegation of the Jammu chamber, led by its president Ram Sahai, discussed issues related to the growth potential of trade and industry in the state and sought the influence of the delegation members' countries to exert pressure on Pakistan regarding opening vital trade routes between both the parts of divided Kashmir, which were closed after division of the country in 1947.

The European Union delegation, comprising Asko Mumminen, ambassador of Finland; Anna Kaisa Heikkinen, second secretary, embassy of Finland; Francisco Da Camara Gomes, ambassador of the European Commission; Jullias George Lui from the German embassy; and Luis Manuel Boralho Sequeria, first secretary and deputy head of mission, embassy of Portugal; are on a two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir.

The CCI members had discussion with the delegation also on the present scenario and the impact of terrorism on trade and industry in the state.

Sahai and Secretary-General Rajinder Motial told the delegation despite militancy for the past 16 years the state had hydel power potential, a handicrafts industry, and resources in wood, minerals, horticulture, agro-products, natural herbs and medicinal plants, etc.