The trade volume at present is about Rs 600 crore annually. It has the potential to go up to $6 billion if peace prevails and trade between the countries continues to grow. With the Attari border opening up, the traditional trade route from India to Central Asian and even European countries would get a boost, said Confederation of Indian Industries local head Gunbir Singh.

Regarding the development in Attari, Badal said that at a cost of Rs 300 crore, an Integrated Check Post would be set up around the border across 120 acres within two years. He said that only growing trade with Pakistan could reshape the economic landscape of the region.

Although our trucks did not get great welcome as expected and no truck from Pakistan crossed the border into India, Badal said it was only the beginning.