The first Indian trucks laden with garlic, onions and potatoes rolled into Pakistan through the Wagah border post in Punjab - inaugurating trade by road between the rival neighbors for the first time in more than 50 years.
Indian Trade Minister Kamal Nath told Reuters news agency that more steps will be taken to boost bilateral trade. He said the direct trade by road has enormous significance because it can provide greater access to many Central Asian countries and lead to "greater economic engagement" between India and Pakistan.
The land trade has begun under an 18-month old peace process that envisages this kind of trade as a step to build mutual trust.
Officials estimated bilateral trade between India and Pakistan at around 380 million dollars in 2004.
Indian Trade Minister Kamal Nath told Reuters news agency that more steps will be taken to boost bilateral trade. He said the direct trade by road has enormous significance because it can provide greater access to many Central Asian countries and lead to "greater economic engagement" between India and Pakistan.
The land trade has begun under an 18-month old peace process that envisages this kind of trade as a step to build mutual trust.
Officials estimated bilateral trade between India and Pakistan at around 380 million dollars in 2004.