PESHAWAR: Traders from Pakistan and Afghanistan have called for the removal of obstacles to mutual trade between the two countries during a meeting held at the Torkham Border.
The meeting, chaired by the newly appointed Chief Collector Customs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Fayyaz Anwar, was attended by representatives from various public sector institutions, including customs, police, and security departments.
The participants discussed the challenges faced by the business community on both sides of the Pak-Afghan bilateral trade and suggested a number of proposals for their amicable resolution.
The traders emphasized the need to address the slow process of border management, which has caused significant difficulties for businesses. They also called for the implementation of official orders of cross-stuffing and the allowance of filing of Goods Documents at Azakhel Dry Port to facilitate customs clearing agents.
The President of Frontier Customs Agents Association and former senior vice-president of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, proposed that Afghan transit trade goods should be carried out from Karachi to Torkham border through Pakistan Railways along with a bonded carrier service.
Traders call for necessary steps to facilitate trade
He urged the authorities to take necessary steps to remove hindrances in the way of Pak-Afghan mutual trade and transit trade.
Chief Collector Customs Fayaz Anwar assured the traders’ delegation of taking all possible support and cooperation for cross-border trade facilitation. He acknowledged the problems faced by the business community and pledged to resolve all issues on priority grounds.
The meeting ended with the delegation thanking the officials for their keen interest in the issues faced by the business community and giving assurance of their amicable resolution.
The mutual trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has great potential, and the removal of hurdles would benefit both countries. The officials concerned must take necessary steps to facilitate cross-border trade and enhance economic ties between the two countries.
