KABUL (SW) – The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) stated that during the visit of the Pakistani delegation to Kabul, discussions would be held with the Islamic Emirate officials on the future trade policy of the two countries and resolving trade issues.
A delegation from the Pakistan Ministry of Commerce, led by Mohammad Khurram Aqa, Deputy Minister of Commerce, has arrived in Kabul on Monday, at the official invitation of the de-facto government’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Naqibullah Safi, CEO of the Joint Chamber, told Salam Watandar that resolving issues such as the closure of border crossings, the stuck of Afghan goods at the Karachi port, setting deadlines by Pakistan for Afghan traders to obtain passports and visas by March 31, and creating a future trade framework will be the focus of discussions between the Pakistani delegation and the de-facto government officials.
He added: “In 1402 [solar year], our trade with Pakistan was deteriorating; the Torkham gate was only closed five times; Spin Buldak has been closed for four months; Angur Ada was closed for six months. In the upcoming visit of the Pakistani delegation to Afghanistan, discussions will be held to address these issues and clarify the future trade policy.”
On the other hand, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said that officials from the two countries’ ministries of commerce would also discuss expanding trade relations.
“Mohammad Khurram Aqa, Deputy Minister of Industry of Pakistan, arrived in Kabul at the official invitation of this ministry, and during his two-day visit, discussions will be held on strengthening, expanding, and resolving transit and trade issues between the two countries,” He added.
However, some Afghan traders urge the Islamic Emirate and Pakistan’s ministries of commerce to find fundamental solutions to resolve traders’ issues in trade with that country.
Mukhlis, an Afghan trader, said both sides must implement their promises regarding resolving traders’ issues at border crossings practically. He adds: “The deadline for obtaining passports and visas by March. 31. is a concern for traders; we hope that some of the problems will be resolved during this trip. Unfortunately, some decisions are not implemented, which is to our detriment; they must lift restrictions that violate agreements.”
On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan announced the visit of a Pakistani trade delegation to Afghanistan on Monday, and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to increasing trade and people-to-people relations with Afghanistan.
