The Confederation of Indian Industry is planning to take a 100-member delegation of CEOs and senior company executives to Pakistan to study business opportunities in the country.

T K Bhaumik, senior adviser (policy) at the CII, said the visit was still being planned. "We will take a delegation to Pakistan if the political climate allows us. Nothing is final yet, and we have to wait and watch," he said.

The industry body is also likely to organise Made-in-India exhibitions at Lahore and Karachi. It is trying to rope in around 150 companies for the programmes.

The CII was also planning to organise a series of seminars in Pakistan to discuss investment-related issues concerning the two nations, Bhaumik added.

"The idea is to promote the India brand in Pakistan because it will open up huge business opportunities for both countries," he pointed out. Bhaumik said Indian industry was interested in trade with Pakistan.

The CII has also decided to hold at least 12 Made-in-India shows in 2003-04. "The idea is to scout for non-traditional markets for Indian business houses and entrepreneurs," said a senior official with the industry body.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has said a 70-member business delegation from Pakistan will visit India at the earliest opportunity.

The India-Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry will also get a fresh lease of life in the coming months.

The organisation was formed in 1999, when a 100-member delegation had visited India. But it had never taken off following the Kargil war.

The industry bodies have emphasised improving infrastructure to boost bilateral trade. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has pointed out that chemicals, drugs, textiles, tea and machinery can be exported from India, and the country can benefit from Pakistan's power projects. Pakistan now imports drugs from the US.

According to estimates, trade between the two countries could touch $3-4 billion in the next two years.

At present, it is estimated at $204 million. However, unofficial trade being carried on between the two countries is estimated at $1.5 billion.