A delegation from Pakistan is scheduled to visit the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Monday for trade discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, despite ongoing tensions and a surge in terrorist attacks between the two nations.
The Afghan delegation, led by Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi, will engage with the Pakistani delegation. Khurram Agha, Pakistan’s Secretary of Commerce, will lead the talks during the two-day visit.
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The dialogue will address various aspects of bilateral and transit trade, including Islamabad’s ban on certain transit items that has affected transit trade.
These discussions come as both Islamabad and Kabul seek to normalize relations following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan earlier this month.
Recently, Afghan charge d’affaires Sardar Shokaib Ahmad briefed Afghan officials on his meetings in Islamabad, with both sides expressing a commitment to promoting trade and people-to-people ties.
Members of the business community are hopeful for fruitful talks that will enhance regional cooperation. Pakistani traders are also advocating for the facilitation of transit and bilateral trade, emphasizing the importance of separating trade from political issues.
In late 2023, the Pakistani government imposed strict conditions on Afghan Transit Trade (ATT), including the scanning of around 25% of consignments and a minimum of 10% undergoing examination by the Risk Management System (RMS).
