Following the decision federal government to formal keep open the Torkham border round the clock from August 1st, has received affectionately by business community, exporters and traders and termed the step initiative to boost economic and trade activities in Afghanistan and other regional countries.
"Our trade is mostly depend with Afghanistan and Central Asian republic countries, which can help enhancing export with them and gain foreign exchange reserves for the country", said Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Faiz Muhammad Faizi while talking to this scribe on Sunday about the government decision to formal opening of Pak-Afghan sharing border, Torkham round the clock.
He said the trade with Afghanistan is cost-effective which needed to be enhanced by such steps at government level. However, he said the trade should be separated from politics and it is dire need of hour to give boost to trade with regional countries.
Former senior vice president of Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi welcomed the government decision to keep open the Torkham border round the clock. However, he said the initiative will be more effective when the issues pertaining to constant closure of border due to strike of customs agents, irrational tariffs, imposition of regulatory duties, couple with political conflicts, tension on Pak-Afghan border and other related problems to be resolved on priority basis.
These above-mentioned problems are the biggest obstacle in way of improving trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sarhadi pointed out. He added that a considerable decrease in exports from Pakistan to Afghanistan was witnessed during last five years. So, he said both Islamabad and Kabul should take serious measures to enhance the existing mutual trade volume between the two countries.
Faiz Muhammad said Wagah border had never closed despite tension raised between Pakistan and India for several occasions, even the both countries fought four wars so far. But, he said the trade activities were adversely affected with Afghanistan due to closure of Torkham border for 35 times.
SCCI president went on to say that the Pakistan has set an ambitious target of $3 billion worth bilateral trade with Afghanistan. However, he said there is potential to enhance mutual trade volume at $9 billion between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Faizi suggested to bring easiness visas policy for businessmen and exporters and importers for the both countries, establishment of three separate desk for issuance of visas for business, medical and tourists purpose,. He also called for rationalization of regulatory duties between the two countries.
Former PAJCCI SVP raised question of one-custom WeBoC system, which according to him, ineffective system due to lack of uninterrupted power supply, internet, computer and other communication facilities at the Torkham border.
Sarhadi said the trade in foreign currency, imposition of 15 percent tariff rate, WeBoC system, E-form, and other related issues are creating difficulties for exporters and Pakistani businessmen, which is ultimately affecting the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He added the both Islamabad and Kabul should also take serious steps for resolution of all those issues which were hampering mutual trade between the two countries.
Faizi Muhammad has suggested the opening of Torkham gate for both sides, like Wagah border. He also called upon the Afghan government to review the new Pak-Afghan Transit trade agreement and to remove the grievances of business community of the both countries on the PATTA.
Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Colonel Sadeeq (retd) who commented over the commendable initiative said it would certainly enhance export to neighbouring country, if the decision was materialized in spirit and letters.
The decision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to stay opened the western border will be effective in way, if all required needs including provision of extra-staff of various departments with their working efficiency, functional at the border, internet, electricity etc, Mr Sadeeq remarked
A loaded or unloaded vehicles come from either sides of Karachi, Lahore or Kabul, Jalalabad other cities have to wait for days owing to slow process of clearing and other border crossing formalities like long queues of trucks that had disrupt drivers and traders as well, said Transport Union, president Haji Azeemullah Shinwari.
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