Srinagar, Mar 18: For the first time in its history, the cross-LoC trade in the Valley this week reached Rs 10 crore mark.
 “This is for the first time that cross-LoC trade on Salamabad-Chakoti route touched the figure of Rs 10 crore in a week. It has broken the previous record of
 Rs 8.5 crore,” confirmed Muhammad Ashraf Wani, custodian officer for cross-LoC trade at Trade Facilitation Centre Salamabad, Uri, and general manager DIC Varmul.
 Besides, he said, as many as 174 truckloads carrying merchandise were exchanged between two sides for the first time. The jump in cross-LoC trade is being attributed mainly to the lifting of ban on the import of Pakistani moong (green gram) by AJK government.
 To mention, Pakistani green gram commands huge demand in the Valley.
 Giving details, Wani said this week goods weighing 4694 quintals were exported in 71 trucks from the TFC Salamabad to AJK. The consignments that mostly comprised of coconut, red chillies and fresh fruits were valuing Rs 3.90 crore. In the meantime, goods worth Rs 6.05 crore were imported in 103 trucks from the Chakoti Trade Centre, AJK. The consignments were weighing 8777 quintals, he said.  “This week also only Pakistani moong was imported from the other side,” said Wani.
 Meanwhile, the officials said no trade would be conducted next week between the two sides on account of Jashn-e-Pakistan on March 24.
 “The officials from AJK communicated to us at zero point that they shall not go for trade next week,” Wani said.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST