Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to use information technology to enhance cooperation between the customs authorities of the two countries, ensure transparency in the documentation and remove problems in the transit trade. The government has decided to launch an Electronic Data Interchange system to share documents and resolve issues faced by traders in the transit and bilateral trade. An empirical phase will start from the next month and, initially, equipment for the system will be installed at Torkham and Chaman borders to launch the project. Afghanistan will arrange the installation of the system on its side of borders to coordinate with Pakistani customs authorities and replace the manual handling of documents.
It is a good omen that the Afghan side is showing its willingness to improve transparency in trade between two countries as well as its trade with the rest of the world through Pakistan. Afghanistan is a landlocked country and Pakistan is bound by international obligations to allow transit facilities to it. However, the problem starts when all the imported goods meant for Afghanistan are landedon the Pakistani soil and dumped in the local markets, causing billions of rupees loss to Pakistan Customs Service in term of taxes and duties.
The customs authorities have already introduced Web Based One Customs (WeBOC) in the country to ensure transparency in the import and export of goods. To facilitate the neighbouring country, the government is also willing to modify the WeBOC Registration Module and train the Afghan officials and traders on WeBOC system.The government will also take steps to reduce time and cost in transit trade and has even allowed Afghan trucks to carry fruits and vegetables up to Wahga borer for export to India on documents issued by the Afghan government.
Afghan transit trade has always remained a cause of concern for the country due to tension with India and misuse of the facility by fake Afghan traders and their local unscrupulous partners. No doubt India always remained a hostile country despite claims of friendship on some occasions and unfortunately Kabul’s unholy alliance with India is also an open secret. Despite all odds, Pakistan has always extended a hand of friendship to India and helped Afghanistan in difficult times and provided transit facility to both the countries. However, where there is political tension, trade cannot flourish. Now it is time for the Afghan authorities to make some soul searching and should not play in the hands of the enemies of Pakistan.
Pakistan has granted transit facility as a sign of friendship and Islamic brotherhood, and the government in Kabul should ensure it is not used against the interests of Pakistan. There are bright chances for the two countries to also enhance bilateral trade.
