KABUL: A delegation of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) met President of Afghanistan, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in Kabul to discuss matters of mutual interests, besides exploring ways and means 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 PAJCCI Directors Junaid Esmail Makda, A.Q. 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.
Talking to the delegation Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani attached high importance to the involvement of credible partners in Afghanistan’s economic activities and said that expansion of trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan will result in prosperity for both nations.
He said that the smuggling of goods was not acceptable, and Afghanistan will take serious measures to dismantle the goods’ smuggling. Highlighting the economic opportunities emerging in Afghanistan, President Ghani said, “Afghan government is determined to ensure all facilities for domestic and international investments in Afghanistan”. He was hopeful that required facilities for Afghan traders in other countries would also be provided.
President KCCI speaking on the occasion suggested that an amount of $100 being charged by Afghan Customs authorities on each container entering Afghanistan from Pakistan may be waived 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to submit 110 percent transit guarantee on Pakistani shipments destined to CIS countries via Afghanistan must also be withdrawn.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 however, it takes too long to get this amount refunded, which needs to be addressed”, 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.
Khan Jan Alokzai briefed President Ghani on activities of the Chamber and challenges being faced by PAJCCI. Stressing the importance of trade expansion between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he sought Afghan President’s support to PAJCCI.
During the two-day stay in Afghanistan, PAJCCI delegation attended the 8th Board Meeting presided over by President PAJCCI Khan Jan Alokzai who praised the efforts being made by Zubair Motiwala towards making PAJCCI a vibrant platform.
