KARACHI: A five-member delegation of Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) met president of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani in Kabul to discuss matters of mutual interests, besides explore ways and means of to enhance the existing trade and investment ties between the two countries.
PAJCCI delegation, which was led by President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra on behalf of Founder President PAJCCI, Zubair Motiwala, comprised of PAJCCI Directors including Junaid Esmail Makda, AQ Khalil, Haji Abdul Qayyum Kakar and Zia Sarhadi. President PAJCCI, Khan Jan Alkozai and other important dignitaries from Afghan side were also present at the meeting.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, prior to formally addressing the meeting participants, extended heartfelt condolence to the Founder President PAJCCI Zubair Motiwala on sad demise of his mother and nephew.
Afghan President, while appreciating the effective role being played by PAJCCI, advised PAJCCI to ask Pakistani government to expedite work on various pacts and assurances given by Pakistani authorities during his recent visit to Pakistan in November 2014.
President Ghani attached high importance to the involvement of credible partners in Afghanistan’s economic activities and said that expansion of legal trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan will result prosperity for both nations.
He underscored that the smuggling of goods was not acceptable, and Afghanistan will take serious measures to dismantle the goods’ smuggling. The President sought for similar acts of other countries as well.
Highlighting the economic opportunities emerging in Afghanistan, President Ghani said, “The government of Afghanistan is determined to ensure all facilities for domestic and international investments in Afghanistan.” He hoped that required facilities for Afghan traders in other countries could also be provided.
On behalf of Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, on the occasion, said that PAJCCI has successfully completed three years in office and the chamber has succeeded in achieving many milestones from time to time. PAJCCI has undoubtedly brought business communities of the two countries closer by paving way for enhanced interaction.
President KCCI suggested that an amount of $100 being charged by Afghan Customs authorities on each container entering Afghanistan from Pakistan may kindly be waived off whereas the condition to submit 110 percent transit guarantee on Pakistani shipments destined to CIS countries via Afghanistan must also be withdrawn. “Although, the guarantee is refunded on return of trucks but it takes too long to get this amount refunded, which needs to be addressed”, he added.
President KCCI recalled that couple of years ago during Karzai’s regime, LPG transit from Commonwealth of Independent States to Pakistan was banned by the then ministers. As Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have been producing excess amount of LPG, therefore it would be beneficial for Pakistan if the said ban was be lifted by the present Afghan government which would help Pakistan in dealing the ongoing energy crisis, he added.
President KCCI, while underscoring the need to have good relations with Afghanistan, said that Pakistan places much value to Afghanistan than any other neighboring countries. Thus, both countries should seek benefits in supporting each other rather competing.
“We want terrorism, poverty and anarchy eliminated so that the two nations could live in peace. Afghan-Pak Joint Chamber of Commerce is prepared to extend its contribution in this respect”, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, President PAJCCI, Khan Jan Alokzai briefed President Ghani on activities of the Chamber and the problems and challenges being faced by PAJCCI. Stressing the importance of trade expansion between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Alokzai sought Afghan President’s support to PAJCCI.
During the two-day stay in Afghanistan, PAJCCI delegation attended the 8th Board Meeting presided over President PAJCCI Khan Jan Alokzai who praised the efforts being made by Zubair Motiwala towards making PAJCCI a vibrant platform.
PAJCCI delegation also attended a luncheon reception hosted by Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Minister of Finance Afghanistan who advised PAJCCI to only focus on trade but also advocate problems being faced by the business communities of both countries. He said that Afghan government was well aware about the issue of Pakistan’s access to CIS countries and the government was focusing on transit fees for CIS countries. Furthermore, PAJCCI delegation also called on Syed Abrar Hussain, Ambassador of Pakistan to Afghanistan to discuss various issues.
