By NNN-APP
Lahore : Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro has asked concerned officials to open more trade routes with India to facilitate export of cement and other products to the neighbouring country.
Speaking at the inauguration of Passenger Facilitation Centre, Wagah (Rail & Road) on Saturday, he described the opening of the centre a landmark step to improve trade between the two countries.
Governor Punjab Lt Gen ® Khalid Maqbool, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Abdullah Yousaf, Chief Collector Customs, North, Shahid Rahim Sheikh and Member Customs Mehmood Alam were also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister said, “such facilities will improve trade and cut cost of business between the two countries”, adding that promotion of trade between the two will also help rationalise rates of different commodities across the border.
He also underlined the need to promote people-to-people contacts and said this will strengthen peace and stability in South Asia.
He appreciated the self-assessment scheme and other reforms introduced in the Federal Board of Revenue, and said these will minimize contact between tax payer and tax collector, and result in increase in collection of taxes.
The premier said there is great demand for cement in India, and opening of new routes will prove helpful in this regard. He said he will extend full support in this connection and will take up the issue with the foreign office.