KARACHI: The existing trade volume between Pakistan and Afghanistan can be increased from $ 3 billion to $ 6 billion in the next three years with the active role of members of Pakistan- Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI).
This was stated by Chairman Sindh Board of Investment (SBI) and President PAJCCI, Muhammad Zubair Motiwala while speaking at a meeting here Tuesday.
He said that the formation of PAJCCI is a breath of fresh air for both the countries. Despite existing political upheavals and sensitive socio-cultural issues, the push for economic collaboration from business community across the border has always been explicit.
Motiwala said that the economic platforms are eagerly rethinking their bilateral relationship and discussions are underway with respect to reviving the economic ties, curtailing smuggling and preventing flow of prohibited goods.
This pressing need was sensed by business representative in both the countries and they mutually agreed to establish a cooperative body on a private initiative in order to bring the business communities of the two countries closer together.
He said this dream was realised when Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established and its offices started functioning in February 2012.
It may be noted that PAJCCI is duly recognised and licensed by Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as well as Government of Pakistan and Motiwala was unanimously chosen as President and Khan Jan Alokozai as Co-President of the PAJCCI board.
Motiwala also emphasised that the major benefit of this Chamber will be the saving of losses to the national exchequer being caused by smuggling under the garb of Afghan Transit Trade (ATT).
Secretary General PAJCCI, Faiza Nasir briefed the meeting regarding core objective of this trans-border arrangement which is not only to transform the economic landscape of the South and Central Asian region but also facilitate peace prospects and to curb extremism and terrorism.
In addition to that, the Chamber shall constitute an Arbitration Tribunal/ Committee to which the members may refer for settlement of all those cases of dispute arising out of their commercial activity amicably but would also suggest strategies on the macro-level to facilitate respective Government to revive bilateral political relation as well, in the greater interest of both the countries.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.