PESHAWAR
\nParticipants at a meeting highlighted impediments that were hindering mutual Pak-Afghan bilateral trade and called for bilateral agreement to enhance trade volume between two neighbouring countries.
\nIslamabad and Kabul needed to take joint steps to address issues of traders\u2019 community at both sides of the border, Muhammad Ishaq President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed while talking to Afghan Commercial Attach\u00e9 in Peshawar Waheedullah Himat during a meeting here at the chamber\u2019s house on Tuesday.
\nTransport Attach\u00e9, Afghan Consulate Peshawar Ismail Shinwari and Coordinator Dr Hamid were present in the meeting.
\nThe meeting was also attended by the SCCI\u2019s Senior Vice President Shahid Hussain, Vice President Ejaz Khan Afridi, Director Pak-Afghan Joint Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, Chairman Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Standing Committee on Land Route Imtiaz Ali, traders, exporters and importers.
\nThe meeting stressed the need of signing a mutual trade agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan and proactive measures for removal of hurdles in the way of mutual trade between two neighbouring countries.
\nIt was also discussed issues pertaining to transport at the border region.
\nAfghan diplomats apprised the SCCI president about illegal collection of heavy fines and illegal taxes from Torkham border to Punjab, establishment of unregistered and unnecessary check points and harassment of Afghan transporters by Pakistani authorities concerned.
\nThe Afghan consulate officials said the illegal practice has created great unrest among relevant Afghan authorities, transporters, a sense of insecurity among them and apprehensions also raised about lack of facilities.
\nOn the occasion, a detailed discussion was held regarding the bilateral trade agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
\nParticipants of the meeting suggested a number of proposals for removal of hurdles in the way of mutual Pak-Afghan trade.
\nMuhammad Ishaq fully agreed with the recommendations of the participants, saying the improvement in bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan is essential for stabilizing economy of the both countries.
\nThe SCCI chief noted the mutual trade volume between Pakistan and Afghanistan has dropped exponentially, which isn\u2019t beneficial for the economy of the both countries.
\nTherefore, he called for taking initiatives at governments\u2019 level, framing of joint roadmap and strategy to remove all those hurdles, hampering mutual trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
\nShahid Hussain while speaking on the occasion stressed the dire need of hour to promote mutual trade with Afghanistan and regional countries to bring economic prosperity and development in the country.
\nTherefore, he asked the government to provide facilities and special incentives to traders in order to enhance bilateral trade with Afghanistan and the rest of the Central Asian Republic.
\nHe emphasized that all issues should be resolved under a joint strategy.
\nEarlier, the meeting decided to organize a joint meeting of Pakistan and Afghanistan traders under the aegis of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR Participants at a meeting highlighted impediments that were hindering mutual Pak-Afghan bilateral trade and called for bilateral agreement to enhance trade volume between two neighbouring countries. Islamabad and Kabul needed to take joint steps to address issues of traders\u2019 community at both sides of the border, Muhammad Ishaq President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-287439","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n