Afghanistan revises tariff on Pakistani citrus downward to Rs10 per kg

KARACHI: After relentless efforts of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) on both sides of the border, Afghan Government has revised the tariff on Pakistani citrus to PKR 10 per kg from PKR 33 per kg which brought relief to fruit traders on both sides.

The step to rationalise tariff positively impacts both sides by bringing in much needed revenue especially for Afghanistan; keeping in view prevailing financial crisis and absence of formal banking channel. Such steps must be continually taken in order to sustain stable economic activity.

Zubair Motiwala, Chairman PAJCCI appreciated the concentrated efforts of Khan Jan Alokozai, who along with Afghan Union of Fresh Fruit traders met with Afghan Minister for Industry and Commerce and Ministry of Finance to solicit the support of Afghan government in resolving the issue on urgent basis.

Last week PAJCCI held stakeholders meeting with Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the issue of held citrus consignments and high tariff impacting the trade and strived to bring it to limelight for immediate resolution to save businesses from loss.

President Sargodha Chamber lauded role of PAJCCI and Zubair Motiwala who continues to bring all stakeholders to table and provides an active forum to address the issues with both governments impeding economic growth.

Motiwala iterated that PAJCCI is committed to not only raising concerns but to facilitate practical solutions on the ground in both countries by taking voice of business community to the highest levels.

He again requested honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan for taking notice of recent State bank of Pakistan’s notification of abolishing cash on counter facility which has terrible impacts on transacting with both Afghanistan and CIS countries.

Currently consignments of raw cotton being imported from Afghanistan and transited from CARs are stuck on the border due to persisting banking problems.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021