Pakistan, Afghanistan hold discussion on key matters impacting bilateral trade

By Tahir Khan

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi led his country’s delegation at the official talks with Pakistani counterpart Jam Kamal Khan in Islamabad on Thursday and explored ways for increasing bilateral trade and to remove hurdles in trade and transit.

The Afghan Commerce Ministry spokesman Abdul Salam Jawad said discussions were held on the extension of the Afghan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), transit facilities and prevention of smuggling of goods, export of Afghan coal to Pakistan and 24-hour operation of Torkham Port.

He said both sides also touched on two-way trade through Ghulam Khan Port, transit of cargo vehicles through the territory of the two countries, bank guarantee, and the arrangement of a comprehensive mechanism for regulating ports.

“Also, in this meeting, the issue of Afghan refugees was discussed and exchanged, with proposals presented to strengthen trade relations between the two countries, especially the establishment of a joint committee by Pakistan and the holding of continuous meetings of this committee to review and resolve trade problems between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he said.

The Afghan side emphasizes the brotherhood and friendship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, mutual benefits, and historical and long-term trade relations between the two countries.

On its part, Pakistan’s Commerce Ministry said the discussions revolved around strengthening bilateral trade relations, resolving transit-related issues, and enhancing border cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

“Both sides engaged in a comprehensive discussion on key matters impacting bilateral trade. They deliberated on transit trade challenges, including procedural hurdles, regulatory requirements and cargo handling issues along with the need to streamline documentation, scanning, and cargo monitoring processes,” according to the statement.

The ministers emphasized the importance of introducing a structured border management framework to improve customs coordination, facilitate cross-border movement, and minimize disruptions.

They also discussed cooperation in specific trade areas including the export of agricultural products, coal and carpets, while resolving to finalize the issues related to Afghan cotton.

The Afghan Minister expressed optimism that mutual trade potential can be fully realized through continued dialogue and close collaboration.

In closing, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing economic connectivity and trade integration.

They expressed hope that upcoming technical-level meetings will bring forth practical outcomes to remove existing bottlenecks and unlock the full potential of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade relations.

Jam Kamal Khan warmly welcomed the Afghan delegation and acknowledged the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and familial ties between the two nations.

He stressed the need to further strengthen the economic and trade relationship, which has spanned over a century.

Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan increased

Pakistani officials say that exports to Afghanistan have increased 33 percent in the current financial year.

During July-March FY2024-25, Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral goods trade recorded a notable growth of 27 per cent, increasing from USD 1,242 million in the corresponding period of FY2023-24 to USD 1,575 million, according to official data.

Interior minister Naqvi meets British minister Lord Wajid Khan

Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan surged by 33 per cent, reaching USD 1,051 million, reflecting rising demand for Pakistani goods and improved trade facilitation.