KARACHI (APP) - Pakistans High Commissioner in India Shahid Malik on Thursday underlined the need for practical steps for better ties between Pakistan and India that are vital for development and prosperity of the two neighboring countries. Aman Ki Asha is a very welcome move. There must be Aman Ki Bhasha as well, to get the objectives, Malik remarked during an interactive meeting with members of KCCI here at the Chamber. He agreed with KCCI leadership that SAARC cannot play any active role in socio-economic uplift of the region unless Pakistan and India have better relations. Pakistan and India would have to start with strengthening their political relations for better economic coordination and increased bilateral trade. Besides, the two countries should enhance their people-to-people contact and mutual cultural activities. Our better economic ties owe to the better political and social ties, he asserted. Pakistan HC to India said we have always been supporting resolution of issues with India through dialogue. Now, the other side has also realized the importance of mutual talks, he said adding that the Indian Foreign Ministers visit to Pakistan last month was a part of this initiative. He supported KCCI President Abdul Majeed Haji Muhammads suggestion that there is great potential for Pak-India bilateral trade and it could cross dollars 10 billion per year. He said at present, the bilateral trade is in favour of India whose exports to Pakistan figure dollars two billion whereas our exports are only dollars 400 million. The main reason for this imbalance was non-tariff trade barriers from India in the shape of duties and demand for un-necessary documents/formalities from Pakistani exporters. Indian Customs tariff is the most complicated system for Pakistani exports. Absence of direct banking system is another non-tariff barrier. He cited an example that last year India faced shortage of cement and Pakistan could export the commodity. But the non- tariff barrier came up when India did not accept the certification given by Pakistan Quality and Standards Control Authority (PSQCA). We had to aggressively lobby to get this accepted. He requested KCCI and other trade bodies to identify and bring to his knowledge the items facing non-tariff barriers so that he could pursue their case with the Indian authorities. Shahid Mailk also advised Pakistani business community to use their influence/lobby with Ministry of Commerce (Government of Pakistan) for revision of positive list of items selected for export to India. Now, around 2,000 items are on the list. You can get addition of more goods to increase our share of exports to India. When pointed out by the KCCI President that restrictive visa policy of India even for Pakistani businessmen was a serious set-back to increase the bilateral trade, Mr Malik said Pakistan Embassy in New Delhi was engaged to get the issue resolved. He urged the Pakistani businessmen to ensure their maximum participation in Indian trade fairs. Besides, keeping close liaison with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry should jointly form working groups /committees to explore Indian market. He also suggested that TDAP should give subsidy to Pakistani exporters participating in Indian trade fairs.