Open Wagah border for cement import'

New Delhi: Industry chamber Assocham has urged the Government to open the Wagah border for import of cement from Pakistan.

Cement from Pakistan would cost Rs 155 per 50-kg bag as against Rs 225-240 sold by domestic firms, said the chamber.

In a representation to the Commerce Ministry, the chamber has stated that cement manufacturers in Pakistan have confirmed availability of 10,000 tonnes of cement at Rs 155 per bag of 50 kg to deliver at Jallandhar (Punjab). The note further stated that India-Pakistan bilateral trade increased from $250.75 million in 2001-02 to more than $1 billion last fiscal year, registering a 325 per cent increase and trading more than 2,000 items.