BEYOND BOUNDARIES-II DIALOGUE
Islamabad
Ahmad Shah Yarzada, a participant of 6-member Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), has said that we are entirely in favour of doing business with Pakistan but the abrupt closing of the Pak-Afghan border by Pakistan forces Afghanistan to look towards other countries which are equally willing to engage in trade with Afghanistan.
Mr Yarzada was speaking at a meeting of Pakistan-Afghanistan Business/ Trade Delegations as part of Beyond Boundaries-II, a track I.5/II dialogue series undertaken by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in partnership with Afghan counterpart Women Peace and Security Organisation (WPSO).
The meeting focused on an early restoration of the bilateral and transit trade by both business chambers on each side of the border, particularly at Torkham and Chamman and the difficulties arising out of the. The joint delegation took note with grave concern that the border had been closed for 5 times in the last 8 months since June 2016.
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.
The two delegations also discussed the possible formation of a joint committee comprising private sector and think tanks from both countries to 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 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.
Ishtiaq Baig, Vice-President of FPCCI said that there were many misperceptions due to which closing of the border were being linked with reduction in terrorism. Mixing the two would merely create more problems.
Earlier, the two groups met with Afghan Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal at Afghan Embassy in Islamabad. He appreciated that the meeting was an important and timely initiative taken by CRSS to bring the business communities and chambers of the two countries together.
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