Experts have stressed the need to take pragmatic steps to enhance trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan and eliminate the bottlenecks hampering exchange of goods and services.
Speaking at a consultative session held by Sarhad Chamber Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Friday, they listed several barriers that were hindering bilateral trade between the two sides.
They suggested that Islamabad and Kabul should make joint efforts to facilitate the business community on both sides of the border.
During the session, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Commerce and Industries Abdul Karim Khan highlighted the initiatives that had been taken by the government to increase trade with Afghanistan and Central-Asian states.
He said that the government was making efforts to improve border management in a bid to facilitate the business community of both the countries.
Referring about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said that the mega project would usher the country into a new era of prosperity and development and transform Pakistan into major economic hub.
On the occasion, Acting SCCI President Imran Khan was of the view that joint initiatives, aimed at facilitating the business community, would not only boost Pakistan’s exports but also create employment opportunities.
He noted that the bilateral trade between the two countries had declined to less than $500 million, which was worrisome and needed to be enhanced by removing hurdles on both sides of the border.
“The trade volume between the two sides is projected to increase to $5 billion,” he added.
The acting chief stated that growth of mutual trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan would steer economic prosperity, sustainable development and peace in the whole region besides generating employment.
Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Programme (SEED) Team leader Umar Mukhtar Khan stressed the need for eliminating the hurdles that were obstructing trade by introducing joint initiatives at governmental level.
He held the view that it would enhance bilateral trade with Afghanistan and other regional countries.
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Director Rana Shahzad Ahmad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Transit Trade Director General Arbab Qaiser Hamid and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority official Rashid Aman were also present in the session.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2021.
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