Afghan delegation visits Pakistan, discusses trade issues

Pakistan and Afghanistan have resolved to make all-out efforts in removing impediments hampering bilateral and transit trade. 

A high-ranking Ministerial delegation from Afghanistan led by Deputy Minister for Commerce Ms. Kamila Sidiqi met with Mr. Mohammad Younus Dagha, Secretary Commerce and officials of the Ministry at the Ministry of Commerce. 

The discussions between the representatives of both the countries mainly revolved on trade issues including the SPS, Quarantine certification and removal of regulatory duties on selected items like fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, etc., to facilitate Afghanistan's export to Pakistan.

The discussions were held following the meeting between the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's and President Ashraf Ghani in Afghanistan last month. The two leaders had expressed their firm resolve not to allow politics to affect their economic relationship which was important for the welfare of the peoples of the two countries. 

During the meeting, both sides expressed the desire to enhance trade relations between the two countries by overcoming existing challenges. 

Deployment of Department of Plant Protection personnel on various border crossings was also discussed and the Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security and Research informed the Afghan side that the personnel have been deployed at Chaman and Torkham initially and other border crossings will also be facilitated in due course. 

It was agreed that the institutional mechanism between both the countries needs to be strengthened. It was felt that the much awaited 7th Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority meeting by the Afghan side was the need of the hour.

The two sides will increase interaction at technical and policy levels for the prompt resolution of the issue from time to time.