Trading Confidence: A Compelling Case for Cross LoC Trade

Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch in collaboration with Bureau of ‘Research on Industry & Economic Fundamentals’ (BRIEF) and Central University of Jammu (CUJ) organized Report Release’ presentation.

The report named 'Trading Confidence: A Compelling Case for Cross LoC Trade' is prepared by Afaq Hussain and Riya Sinha from BRIEF.

The report release was presided over by Mr. B. R. Sharma, Chairman IIPA J&K Regional Branch/Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu & Kashmir as Chief Guest and Prof Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu as the Guest of Honor. Mr. Mohammad Saqib, CEO, BRIEF; Sh. Rakesh Gupta, President, CCI Jammu; and Dr. Shujaat Bukhari, Editor-in-chief, Rising Kashmir were also present during this occasion.

The Welcome address was given by Mr. Mohammad Saqib, who gave a brief introduction about the report. He added that the report was launched by Mr. Omar Abdullah, just a day before at New Delhi.

Mr Afaq Hussain, co-author of the report, stated the genesis behind the project and gave a brief introduction of all the stakeholders involved. He mentioned that the report preparation involved field interviews with traders and businessmen in border areas of J&K and Punjab and also interviews with the traders and chambers of commerce from Pakistan through Skype.

Shri Rakesh Gupta, mentioned that the ground realities and challenges prevail on either side of the border and are going to remain the same until and unless the bigger picture is not addressed by the governments of India and Pakistan. He added that the Jammu has a feasible trade route towards Pakistan via Sialkot as compared to Poonch route and that the government needs to consider it seriously.

Dr. Shujaat Bukhari claimed that the cross LoC trade is not only related to its economic aspect, but also to encourage people-to-people contacts and bring peace and stability in the region.

The address was followed by discussion on the issues raised by the speakers

Shri B. R. Sharma and Prof. Ashok Aima gave the special address which was followed by a formal vote of thanks.

Prof. Alka Sharma, Director (Seminars) presented the formal vote of thanks. Dr. J Jaganthan Assistant Professor, CUJ conducted the proceedings of the function. Er. J B S Johar, Honorary Secretary, IIPA was also present during the occasion

The function was attended by members of the civil society, various trade, commerce and industrial associations, members of IIPA and faculty /Students of Central University of Jammu