The Indian delegation will try to persuade Pakistan on granting the Most Favoured Nation status to India. There is good potential for joint ventures in the pharmaceutical sector. Drugs are very expensive in Pakistan, and India has done well in this sector. Collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector will be a boon to Pakistan. However, chances of a breakthrough are low as both governments zealously ensure that nothing much happens.
Cricket is a case in point.
If so much fuss is made about a cricket match between the two countries, it is hardly likely that either Islamabad or New Delhi will be interested in trade links. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, himself a businessman and supported by a strong business lobby, was keen on trade between the two countries. However, Gen Musharraf has stressed time and again that the core problem between India and Pakistan is Kashmir and, unless this is solved, there can be no progress in other areas.