Union Minister Anand Sharma today hoped that his visit to Pakistan for Commerce Minister level talks begining tommorow 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 bilateral trade and all issues to enhance trade between the two countries.

Breifing reporters in New Delhi on the first visit by a 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 said, Pakistan having declared to move to a negative list regime on good and commodities for trade with its Most Favoured Nation- India, it is understood that there is an expressed desire and wish in Islamabad to deepen bilateral economic engagements.

Mr. Sharma said his visit is part of the continous process started when the Commerce secretary of both countries met in Pakistan to define a road map to build confidence and trust to promote two way trade.

The minister said, peace, harmony and tranquility are essential requirements for free flow of goods between the two countries and exchanges between business leaders.

Mr. Shama will hold talks with his Pakistan couterpart and also have interactions with business and trade leaders. He will be accompanied by a high level delegation comprising 120 business leaders.