PAJCCI calls for CBMs to boost Pak-Afghan trade

PESHAWAR: Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has decided to devise a comprehensive strategy to boost trade relations between the two countries.

The chamber’s roundtable meeting held recently put emphasis on the initiation of negotiations between the two countries for peace and economic prosperity across the border.

PAJCCI Chairman Zubair Motiwala said that keeping in view the current confidence level and business stagnancy between Pakistan and Afghanistan, it is important to reestablish confidence building measures (CBMs) to bring the stakeholders at one platform.

He reiterated the significance of national sanctity and security and supported all measures that respective governments may take to ensure the same.

However, Motiwala emphasised that the same may not be continued at the expense of economic and social ties across the border.

The abrupt closure of the border for an indefinite period resulted in massive monetary losses, he added.

He urged the two governments to segregate business and trade ties from political and security tensions, and suggested that Pak-Afghan trade, both bilateral and transit, needed rejuvenation and appropriate CBMs may be instilled for removing deep-rooted mistrust in Pak-Afghan relationship.

Worsening relations have also affected trade of Pakistan with Central Asian countries and has a devastating impact on the local economy, he said.

Despite having potential of $5 billion, trade has fallen from $2.5 billion to $1.4 billion because of bilateral tensions that caused other countries to penetrate in Afghanistan easily.

India has recently acquired a very strong economic hold in Afghanistan, causing double damage to the Pakistani economy.

The participants also highlighted difficulties being faced at borders due to ineffective facilitation and deteriorating infrastructure.

The deliberations also focused upon possible solutions for mutually beneficial results.

Zardashat Shams said this forum can enhance the business, commerce and trade of both the countries by de-politicisation.

On behalf of the ambassador, he ensured support from the office for finalising this process and leading the negotiations on the right track.

Motiwala said that despite socio-political turmoil across the border, the people-to-people connect is highly commendable.

He also offered Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s services as a joint platform to support the overarching objective of peace, prosperity and economic connectivity.