Pakistan to step up economic ties with India

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NEW DELHI, Dec 13 (PTI): Islamabad yesterday said it wants to step up economic ties with New Delhi and will consider allowing joint ventures between businessmen of the two countries in the midst of India's mounting pressure on Pakistan to crack down on terrorists.
"We are willing to consider the proposals of Indian investments for establishing joint ventures in Pakistan on a case-to-case basis," Minister (Trade) in Pakistan High Commission to India Fazal Abbas Maken said at here.
Maken said New Delhi must also allow investment from Pakistan in the Indian ventures. Islamabad clearing Indian investment would be "subject to reciprocity by Indian side," he said.
The official in the Pakistan High Commission made these comments in the face of an almost freeze in the composite dialogue for improvement of bilateral relations, of which enhancing trade was a key element.
The commerce secretary level talks, to be held in Islamabad this month, have been put on hold.