India and Pakistan have agreed to jointly work to more than double bilateral trade within three years from current levels of 2.7 billion US dollars per annum to about six billion US dollars.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, the Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr. Anand Sharma said both the countries have started Secretary-level talks between the two neighbours.

Giving details about the fifth and sixth round of talks, Mr. Sharma said with the entire phasing out of the Negative List, the transition process to Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment shall be complete. He said Indian side has agreed to address issues raised by Pakistan under Non-Tariff Barriers for import of cement, textiles, fruits and vegetables, processed food items and surgical instruments.

He said both sides agreed that the present visa regime for businesspersons was a significant barrier to the rapid expansion of trade. He said New Delhi and Islamabad also reached a broad understanding to enhance trade in petroleum products and put in place infrastructure for trade in electricity.

Mr. Sharma said that he will lead the Indian business delegation to Islamabad following an invitation.