Separate politics from economy, says President PAJCCI

President of Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zubair Motiwala has emphasised that segregation of politics from business is a dire need for reducing trust deficit and creating confidence for strong economic cooperation across the border.
Speaking at cross border B2B and small scale exhibit held at SITE Association of Industry, he appreciated the support of his Co-Chairman, Khan Jan Alokozai and executive committee of both the chapters in satiating the vision of PAJCCI in such short span of time.
He stated that PAJCCI as part of its legacy intends to enhance and rejuvenate business ties between the two countries in specific and within the region in general. Keeping current confidence level and business stagnancy in view, PAJCCI aims to conduct several activities to help re-establish confidence building measures and this Cross-border B2B activity is first in the series.
He informed that PAJCCI will also hold two stakeholder regional meetings in Dushanbe and Tashkent in the upcoming quarter to enhance regional integration. Head of Afghan Delegation, Haji Rahmuddin, raised issues pertinent to border tensions, official roadblocks, visa issuance matters that have reflected badly on Pak-Afghan relations. He emphasised that from the platform of PAJCCI, we should advocate the resolution of matters at the governmental level as has been the practice.
President KCCI, Shamim Firpo affirmed his support on behalf of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and lauded the initiative, whereas Jawaid Bilwani, ex-president PAJCCI and Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, SVP PAJCCI also shed light on recent challenges and initiatives of PAJCCI in this context.
President SITE, Asad Nisar welcomed the delegation and established that SITE envisioned this opportunity of collaboration as mutually beneficial opportunity and have taken an initiative of arranging a small scale exhibit also. He further quoted that SITE members are also conducting their businesses with Afghanistan whereby both quality and prices offered by our members are incomparable and would significantly add value to the exchange and we really welcome the news of holding next B2B event of PAJCCI in Kandahar, Afghanistan whereby we aim to participate with PAJCCI unequivocally.
The event was held in collaboration with the SITE Association of Industry and Motiwala while concluding the sentiments from across the border established six major resolves as part of a unanimous proposal: (a) Businesses should be segregated from the impact of politics as the business community across the border has congenial relationship. This is not only important for both the countries, but for the overall prosperity of the regional trade. (b) He emphasised that PAJCCI should further strengthen its arbitration and mediation process in order to ensure resolution of grave issues affecting the business community. (c) He sought a report from both chapters regarding the pending issues at hand, so that PAJCCI follows them up and ensure prompt resolution. (d) He sought that visa regime in both the countries should be improved further and flexibility in visas may be extended on a reciprocal basis, especially to the business community. (e) Both sides should protest against all business unfriendly policies so that a strong trading block may be developed. (f) APTTA document should be revisited in light of business concerns and a pending APPTCA meeting may be convened to rejuvenate and renew APTTA document at the earliest.
Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) as part of its legacy, intends to enhance and rejuvenate business ties between the two countries in specific and within the region in general. Keeping current confidence level and business stagnancy in view, PAJCCI aims to conduct several activities to help re-establish confidence building measures.
In this context an Afghan delegation visited Pakistan during November 6-8 for attending "Cross-Border B2B and Small Scale Exhibit", which is first in its series planned for the year 2016-17. Consul General Afghanistan, Director General Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Senior Executive from Tajikistan consulate also attended the event and shared their perspectives. During the event 12 companies displayed their product portfolio, followed by delegation visit to Sanaullah Textiles and AFN Enterprises for envisioning the industrial operations in SITE, Karachi.