Sukhbir proposes joint industrial zones

Terming his five-day visit to Pakistan as "historic and successful", Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the governments of both Punjabs had shown keen interest in setting up of joint industrial zones, which would be treated at par with the local industry.

Speaking to mediapersons in Attari after crossing over to India, Sukhbir said he had played his part by initiating the process of strengthening trade and commerce ties between the two countries.

"During our five-day visit to Pakistan, we worked out several proposals. The list will be sent to the Union Government for final approval," he said.

Sukhbir said Pakistan Punjab's Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, too, had agreed on the proposal for setting up joint industrial zones. "Entrepreneurs of both Punjabs will be free to set up their industrial units in such areas, which will be treated at par with the local industry. The products manufactured in these zones will be duty-free," he said.

Both Punjabs, he said, had also agreed upon to constitute a 20-member (10 from each side) joint coordination committee to discuss various issues, including increasing the trade ties and exchange of ideas in various fields. The committee would meet at least once every two months. Among the 10 members would be three ministers, three secretaries and four businessmen.

"The onus is now on the Union Government to give a concrete shape to the proposals and carry forward the dialogue," he said.

Sukhbir said he had also raised the issue of setting up of a visa consulate in Lahore and Amritsar and opening Hussainiwala and Suleman Ki (Fazilka) borders for trade. He said he had also urged Sharif to strengthen infrastructure on its side of the Integrated Check Post at Attari.

The governments of both Punjabs have also agreed to initiate 'Punjab Cup', a bi-annual sports tournament comprising cricket, hockey, wrestling and tug-of-war, he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said Sharif had also accepted his invitation to grace as chief guest the Kabbadi World Cup final slated to be held in Ludhiana on December 15.

He said he had also requested Pakistan Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Iqbal Mohammad to organise cricket, and if possible kabaddi too, matches between the legislators of both Punjabs.

Sukhbir said he had requested Sharif to rename a chowk in Lahore after martyr Bhagat Singh and release Indian prisoners, including Sarbjit Singh.

What Punjabs discussed

• Constituting a 20-member (10 from each side) committee to discuss various issues
• The committee will meet at least once every two months
• Among the 10 members will be three ministers, three secretaries and four businessmen
• Setting up of a visa consulate in Lahore and Amritsar
• Opening of Hussainiwala and Fazilka borders for trade
• Strengthening infrastructure on both sides of the Integrated Check Post
• Initiating 'Punjab Cup', a bi-annual sports tournament comprising cricket, hockey, wrestling and tug-of-war
• Organising cricket, and if possible kabaddi too, matches between the legislators of both Punjabs