Date:24/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/24/stories/2005022404561200.htm

National

Working groups set up on customs, trade

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, FEB. 23. The India-Pakistan Joint Study Group today announced the setting up of two working groups for customs cooperation and trade facilitation and non-tariff barriers. "The terms of reference for the subgroups were mutually agreed upon," it was stated.

In a joint statement issued simultaneously here and in Islamabad after the two-day meeting of the JSG, it was noted that the two sides identified issues relating to bilateral trade and deliberated upon a future roadmap in order to enhance trade and economic cooperation. It was also decided to hold the second meeting of the JSG on mutually agreed dates. "The talks were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere," according to the statement.

The recommendations of the JSG will now be submitted to the governments.