Decades of conflict have decimated trade between India and Pakistan, but both countries are hoping that trade itself can lead the way to easing their tensions.

India and Pakistan have liberalized commercial ties, inaugurated a new border depot and promised to throw open their economies to each other by the end of the year. At a Pakistani trade fair held in New Delhi this month, the response was overwhelming.

Pakistani surgical instrument maker Haseeb Bhatti said, "We have to trust each other. You know we have to trust India and India in turn has to trust us and that's how we can build up. We have to look towards the future. We cannot look back because you know there is nothing to cherish about."

Trade was cut off between India and Pakistan when the former British colony was split upon independence in 1947. But the two sides have now set aside their disputes for the time being, to focus on restoring economic links. In recent months, Pakistan has drastically reduced the number of Indian products barred from the country and said it will eliminate the bans completely by the end of the year. It also says it plans to grant India the "Most Favoured Nation" trade status, which will reduce tariffs.

Pakistani furniture designer Ghazala Rahman said, "It's an historic move for us to come here. This is the first time in 64 years. What more can you ask for? And it's good because we have, we do share a lot, in taste, in style, and the way we look at things, tradition, yes."

Indian officials said they were close to an agreement on visas to make it easier for business leaders to cross the border. And India unveiled a new customs depot at the Attari border, which separates India and Pakistan's Punjab regions.

Haseeb Bhatti said, "When I came to the border I looked up in the sky and I didn't see a dividing line, neither did I see any dividing line on the soil. There were few bricks that are man-made so when there are no restrictions from up there, why are we restricting ourselves? You know we should open up and we should, you know, proceed to accept each other."

Trade between India and Pakistan quadrupled last year, reaching 2.8 billion US dollars. India said this month it would lift the ban on Pakistani investments as well, and is talking of exporting electricity and petroleum to its energy-starved neighbor. Both countries' central banks are also exploring opening branches across the border.

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