India, Pakistan to liberalise business visa norms

New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen bilateral economic relations, India and Pakistan will soon sign agreements for liberalising visa norms for business travellers, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said on Tuesday.

"From our side, it is ready and it will be signed soon," Sharma said at an India-Pakistan Parliamentary Dialogue meeting organised here by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Sharma said the clear announcement regarding the visa agreements would be made during External Affairs Minister SM Krishna's visit to Pakistan later this week.

The new visa agreement is aimed at facilitating multiple entry for businessmen from both sides on a no-reporting basis for one year at a time.

"Our external affairs minister will be travelling to Pakistan soon and by that time we will have clarity," he said.

Krishna is scheduled to go on a three-day official visit to Pakistan beginning September 7.

The new visa agreement is aimed at facilitating multiple entry for businessmen from both sides on a no-reporting basis for one year at a time.

The proposal also includes non-business visas for divided families, particularly for those aged over 65 years, and for those wanting to attend marriages and funerals.

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