Date:19/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/04/19/stories/2005041900700400.htm

Back FICCI hails move to set up consulates in Mumbai, Karachi

Our Bureau

New Delhi , April 18

THE Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has said that it considers the joint decision of India and Pakistan to set up consulates in Mumbai and Karachi before the year-end as a significant measure to encourage people-to-people contact, bolster commercial visits and ease travel of businessmen between the two countries.

"This is sure to multiply business visits from both sides as Mumbai and Karachi are the commercial capitals of India and Pakistan respectively," the chamber said on Monday.

Further, the move will ease the burden on the Delhi and Islamabad Missions, which sometimes are unable to cope with the rising pressure of visitors from both sides, including businessmen.

However, FICCI said other barriers, such as issuance of city-wise visa, single port of entry and exit and provision of police reporting, must also scrapped to create goodwill and enhance business confidence.