Pakistan scuttles Indian participation in Asian Trade meet

New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Pakistan scuttled India's participation in the Asian Trade Promotion Forum CEO meet held this week by withholding travel permission of an Indian High Commission official to Lahore, informed sources said on Friday.

The 29th ATPF CEO meet was held in Lahore from September 24 to 26 and the trade counsellor of the Indian mission was to attend the event. However, he was denied permission to travel.

The Indian Trade Promotion Organization had requested the Indian High Commission to depute an official to the event as ITPO could not send an officer from India.

The ATPF, comprising 24 member countries including Australia, Japan and China, aims to enhance trade in the region through information exchange, implementation of cooperative projects and strengthening networks among members.

CEO meetings and Working Level Meetings are held once a year.