Pak, Afghan transit trade decline in year, 2017

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan transit trade volume with Afghanistan declined in 2017 and its regional trade with other countries was increased during this period.

During 2009 to 2012 Pak-Afghan Bilateral Trade was decreased by 46 percent, however after agreement of Afghan-Pak Transit Trade in June 2012 and its implementation in mid of 2014-15, bilateral trade was increased by 66 percent to tune of $2.7 billion, Senior official of Ministry of Commerce told APP here on Wednesday.

He said that traders from both side were unaware about the facilities of transit trade from Chaman and Torkham borders. He said that Pak-Afghan Trade volume could be multiplied to $5.5 billions and employment opportunities could be created directly and indirectly for 200,000 Pakistanis.

This enhancement in Pak-Afghan Trade would also support to bridge the trade deficit, he said.

He said that under Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement signed in June, 2012 transit trade shall be continued without any hurdles as the said agreement had no date of termination.

The official said the two countries under Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority should remove all obstacles hampering trade activities.