THE estimate of illegal trade between India and Pakistan varies from $1 billion to $3 billion, including smuggling and trade through third countries. The official bilateral trade by comparison is minuscule. It was a little over Rs 407 crore in '95-96, with a balance of trade in India's favour. From April to December '96, it crossed Rs 525 crore. The scope for increase is tremendous, though Pakistan has still not given India the MFN status. The South Asian Preferential Trade Arrangement should also help.
Illegal Trade Thrives Anyway
Illegal Trade Thrives Anyway
