Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold dialogue in Kabul to enhance bilateral trade

An Afghan official confirmed that discussions are underway to explore solutions for improving bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Afghan Commerce Ministry, disclosed that Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi will lead the Afghan delegation, emphasizing the significance of fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting trade and enhancing people-to-people connections with Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of the upcoming discussions.

Joining the Pakistani delegation, led by Secretary of Commerce Khurram Agha, are several officials including Joint Secretary Maria Qazi, Additional Secretary Commerce Dr. Wajid Ali Khan, Director General Transit Trade, and Additional Secretary of Interior Khushal Khan.

The talks will address various issues surrounding bilateral and transit trade, including concerns raised by Afghanistan regarding Pakistan’s ban on certain transit items, leading to a significant decrease in transit trade through Pakistan.

These discussions come amidst efforts by both sides to normalize relations following recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan provinces, indicating a mutual desire to overcome challenges and strengthen economic cooperation.

Prior to the delegation’s visit, Afghan charge d’affaires Sardar Shokaib Ahmad briefed Afghan officials on recent meetings in Islamabad, underscoring the importance of revitalizing political and commercial ties between the two nations.

Meanwhile, the Afghan embassy in Pakistan has been actively engaged in addressing recent challenges and exploring opportunities to enhance bilateral relations, as evidenced by recent meetings between Afghan and Pakistani officials.

Efforts to promote closer relations were further demonstrated through an online meeting between Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi and Secretary Pakistan Commerce Ministry Khurram Agha, where discussions focused on resolving trade and transit barriers.

However, challenges persist, with concerns raised by Afghan traders regarding recent increases in import duty on Afghan transit trade and the imposition of restrictions on certain transit items by Pakistan, prompting some businesses to shift operations to Iran.

While both Pakistani and Afghan traders advocate for separating trade from political issues, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned of potential consequences, including the blocking of trade corridors to Afghanistan, if security concerns are not addressed.

As the Pakistani delegation prepares for talks in Kabul, there is optimism among business leaders for fruitful discussions that will pave the way for enhanced bilateral trade and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A delegation from the Pakistani commerce ministry is set to arrive in Kabul on Monday for a two-day visit focused on exploring solutions to improve bilateral trade, as confirmed by an Afghan official.

Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Afghan Commerce Ministry, disclosed that Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi will lead the Afghan delegation, emphasizing the significance of fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting trade and enhancing people-to-people connections with Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of the upcoming discussions.

Joining the Pakistani delegation, led by Secretary of Commerce Khurram Agha, are several officials including Joint Secretary Maria Qazi, Additional Secretary Commerce Dr. Wajid Ali Khan, Director General Transit Trade, and Additional Secretary of Interior Khushal Khan.

The talks will address various issues surrounding bilateral and transit trade, including concerns raised by Afghanistan regarding Pakistan’s ban on certain transit items, leading to a significant decrease in transit trade through Pakistan.

These discussions come amidst efforts by both sides to normalize relations following recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan provinces, indicating a mutual desire to overcome challenges and strengthen economic cooperation.

Prior to the delegation’s visit, Afghan charge d’affaires Sardar Shokaib Ahmad briefed Afghan officials on recent meetings in Islamabad, underscoring the importance of revitalizing political and commercial ties between the two nations.

Meanwhile, the Afghan embassy in Pakistan has been actively engaged in addressing recent challenges and exploring opportunities to enhance bilateral relations, as evidenced by recent meetings between Afghan and Pakistani officials.

Efforts to promote closer relations were further demonstrated through an online meeting between Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi and Secretary Pakistan Commerce Ministry Khurram Agha, where discussions focused on resolving trade and transit barriers.

However, challenges persist, with concerns raised by Afghan traders regarding recent increases in import duty on Afghan transit trade and the imposition of restrictions on certain transit items by Pakistan, prompting some businesses to shift operations to Iran.

While both Pakistani and Afghan traders advocate for separating trade from political issues, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned of potential consequences, including the blocking of trade corridors to Afghanistan, if security concerns are not addressed.

As the Pakistani delegation prepares for talks in Kabul, there is optimism among business leaders for fruitful discussions that will pave the way for enhanced bilateral trade and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.