Business

Traders call for formation of barter trade body

Say Afghanistan has already established its committee

APP April 16, 2022

Trucks loaded with supplies wait to cross into Afghanistan at the Friendship Gate crossing point, in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border town of Chaman. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

PESHAWAR:

Businessmen have urged the Ministry of Commerce to nominate officials from Pakistan in the barter trade mechanism committee with Afghanistan on priority basis.

In a statement on Friday, Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) Chairman Zubair Motiwala said that “any delay in this matter will surpass the waiver extension time period of EIF and e-form resulting in suspension of trading activities and loss of revenue.”

He highlighted that Afghanistan had already constituted the committee led by PAJCCI Co-Chairman Khan Jan Alokozai and all relevant provincial chambers were represented. Giving more details, he said that last week, a deliberation of this committee was also held under aegis of the Afghan commerce ministry.

“Despite the fact that one month has lapsed, the committee from Pakistan’s side has not been announced and expiry of extension is nearing,” he said. Motiwala demanded that requirement of e-form and EIF should be waived off till barter trade mechanism between two countries was finalised. He was of the view that deliberations would consume extensive timeframe.

PAJCCI further offered to support the formation of the committee along with the members from all relevant chambers of Pakistan by signing a memorandum of understanding for smooth coordination and facilitation on the same lines as Afghanistan.

“This is a joint across the border platform,” he added.

Motiwala assured that PAJCCI stood by its commitment to facilitate not only the business community but also the governments of both countries to strengthen the multi-faced relationship. “PAJCCI will continue to coordinate between business community and government entities to bring about open communication and channelising efforts to promote economic activities,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2022.

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