Improving relations: TDAP seeks support to boost trade with Kabul

Says country unable to tap its potential in absence of strategic framework.


Our Correspondent December 17, 2014

KARACHI: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive SM Muneer has sought support for the domestic chambers that are working for the promotion of trade ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Efforts of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) should be complemented for deepening trade ties with Kabul, he suggested at an event organised by the local chambers here on Wednesday.

He highlighted TDAP’s role in building confidence of the business community and taking Pakistani products to the international market.



He stressed that Pakistani products had a high quality standard but because of a lack of strategic framework, the country was unable to tap its true potential.

He extended support to the RCCI and PAJCCI in their endeavours aimed at improving the image of Pakistan across the globe.

RCCI’s Regional Trade Coordination Committee Chairman Khurshid Barlas said the ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition was specifically organised for the capital city of Afghanistan.

He pointed out that focus of the RCCI was on enhancing trade with member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation as the regional trade stood at just 3.5%.

RCCI President Syed Asad Mashadi said with the hard work of RCCI’s team and support from their collaborators, they were organising such events throughout the world.

He emphasised that the ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition in Afghanistan was a way to establish a healthy trade pattern between the two countries, which would ultimately stop the decline in foreign direct investment and bridge the trade deficit.

PAJCCI Co-President Muhammad Zubair Motiwala said legal trade with Afghanistan was $2.5 billion, but the potential was for more than $10 billion if policies were made according to the needs of both countries.

“It is not about Afghanistan only, rather this route opens access for Pakistan to Central Asian countries that would aid the revival of the ancient Silk Route,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th,  2014.

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