Pak-Afghan joint chambers call for immediate opening of border

ISLAMABAD: A six-member delegation of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), met with representatives of Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), a statement said on Monday.

The meeting focused on the early restoration of the bilateral and transit trade by both business chambers on each side of the border, particularly at Torkham and Chaman, and the difficulties arising out of the abrupt closure of Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The joint delegation took note with grave concern that the border had been closed for five times during the short span of approximately eight months since June 2016. Officials from both sides cited figures of losses incurred by the business communities of both countries since the recent closure of the border.

“On behalf of the Afghan business community, let me affirm that we are entirely in favor of doing business with Pakistan,” said Ahmad Shah Yarzada, a member of ACCI. “However, the abrupt closing of the Pak-Afghan border by Pakistan leaves Afghanistan to look towards other countries which are equally willing to engage in trade with Afghanistan.”

Representatives from both countries unanimously agreed to call on the government of Pakistan to immediately open the border for the clearance of stranded cargo from port to borders.  Both sides reiterated the significance of national sanctity and security and supported all measures that respective governments may take to ensure the same.

However, the same may not be continued at the beset of hurting the economic and social ties across the border through measures such as abrupt closure of the border for an indefinite period resulting in massive monetary losses and trust deficit.

Currently, 3,000 containers in Peshawar and 2,000 containers near Chaman border are standing filled with cargo and unable to pass due to border closure. They also urged both governments to honor their commitments on bilateral and transit agreements.

The two delegations also discussed the possible formation of a joint committee comprising private sector and think tanks from both countries which should act as an advisory mechanism that both governments should consult before taking drastic measures such as closure of border or revision of economic policies.

This committee could act as an economic and confidence building catalyst to ensure further enhancement of bilateral trade, rejuvenate regional linkages and promote joint investments. Members also further resolved to urge the ministry of commerce for a possible waiver of any applicable port charges, whether detention or demurrage, applied to Afghan consignments and containers which accrued from the closure of the border in a bid to limit the monetary losses of the business communities of both countries.

Muhammad Zuhair Motiwala, president and chairman of PAJCCI, insisted on a complete segregation of business and politics, stating that there was no differences between the business communities of Pakistan and Afghanistan as both wished to do business with each other.