TORKHAM: Pakistan and Afghanistan have resumed high-level trade and investment negotiations after a one-year hiatus. The prime objective is to facilitate the movement of cargo at border crossings and deepen trade and transit between the two neighbors.
The most recent official trade session occurred in March 2024, when Pakistan’s Commerce Secretary Mohammad Khurrum Agha traveled to Kabul. He sat down with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister for Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, to discuss trade cooperation.
Key Issues Discussed
As per a statement by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Commerce, some key issues were discussed, including:
Renewal of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA)
Simpler cargo transit between the two nations
Export of Afghan coal to Pakistan
24/7 operations on Torkham border
Two-way trade across Ghulam Khan border
Movement of heavy vehicles
Bank guarantees
Developing a joint system for running border ports
Minister Nooruddin Azizi is now heading a high-level delegation to Pakistan. On Thursday, he met Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal to discuss new avenues for enhancing trade.
Key Developments
Pakistan proposed the creation of a joint committee to conduct frequent meetings and address trade issues more effectively. Negotiations also covered the prevailing status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Trade statistics indicate a sharp rise in trade between the two countries. Exports of Pakistan to Afghanistan increased by 84.25% to $592.84 million in the first eight months of the financial year. Imports from Afghanistan also registered an increase.
Sugar has been Pakistan’s largest export, with more than 700,000 tonnes exported to Afghanistan over the last four months.
Enhancing Trade and Border Cooperation
The Pakistani Ministry of Commerce stated that attention was given during the talks on eliminating trade barriers, addressing transit issues, and enhancing border management. Both countries deliberated on:
Minimizing delays in customs
Improved scanning and documentation of cargo
Enhanced handling of merchandise
Trade in agriculture, coal, carpets, and cotton
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal welcomed the Afghan delegation warmly and highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between both countries.
Looking Ahead
Both countries agreed to continue working together closely to improve trade and economic links. They hope that future technical meetings will bring practical solutions to remove current challenges and unlock the full potential of bilateral trade.
