Union Minister Anand Sharma hoped that his visit to Pakistan for Commerce Minister level talks beginning Monday will help in creating a positive environment for enhanced bilateral trade. Mr. Sharma during his visit will hold talks with his Pakistan counterpart Makhdoom Amin Fahim on all issues to enhance trade between the two countries.

Breifing reporters in New Delhi before embarking on the first visit by Commerce minister to Pakistan, Anand Sharma said, fully normalising relationship with Pakistan and elevating it to a higher level will contribute substantially to building trust and confidence between the two neighbour countries and for increased economic engagements within the SAARC region.

Mr. Sharma will be accompanied by a high level delegation comprising 120 business leaders. He will be travelling cross the Wagah border by road Monday morning and will be received by the Pakistan Commerce Minister, Mr. Makhdoom Amin Fahim. Both the Ministers will also be jointly inspecting the progress on the construction of second gate of the integrated check post at Wagah.

Shri Sharma will also be calling on Pakistan Prime Minister, Sayed Yusuf Raza Gillani and President, Asif Ali Zardari. He will also be addressing the 6th SAFTA Ministerial Council meeting in Islamabad on 16th of this month.