KARACHI: Pakistan, Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry PAJCCI called for rejuvenating bilateral trade and business ties between the two neighboring countries.
This was stated in PAJCCI Board members meeting attended by Secretary Commerce Munir Qureshi, visiting Afghan delegation, representatives of British High Commission & Afghan Consulate here. President PAJCCI M. Zubair Motiwala said strategies devised by business communities of both countries will be presented to their governments to be inculcated in Strategic Business Framework.
He spoke of Afghan Transit Trade issues and initiative of PAJCCI’s governing body to review Afghanistan, Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement APTTA 2010 for benefit of business communities. He said inputs, reservations from both sides will be presented to respective Ministries to devise proper reforms. He felt duty structure may be reviewed to provide equal chance for Pakistani businessmen to compete effectively.
M. Yonass Momand Afghan delegation head & VP PAJCCI Afghan Chapter said Afghanistan is land of opportunities and "we will be glad to see Pakistani businessmen capitalizing them in future. He said business communities of both countries are critically eager to do trading and joint ventures in construction and engineering.
Engr. Daroo Khan VP PAJCCI Pakistan Chapter highlighted PAJCCI's role in border trade facilitation.
Zia Sarhadi Director PAJCCI mentioned challenges existent due to ineffective execution of APTTA agreement that resulted in unemployment and major business loss at the border. Mian Abrar Ahmad President KCCI focussed on efficacy of strengthening regional trade for greater good of not only neighboring states but also for Europe, USA as it also opens beneficial market for their products.
Daood Mossa Director PAJCCI spoke of FPCCI stance against formation of PAJCCI and said this entity is duly licensed by ministries in both countries. It is prerogative of offering countries to register entities in such instances and provide license through competent authority. This is needed keeping in view desires of business communities. He urged APTTA meetings must be regularized and conducted as per schedule as it provides very important platform to share feedback.
Atiqullah Momizada VP PAJCCI Afghan Chapter said business ties will further strengthen bilateral ties and Pakistan trade delegation to Afghanistan will be good example.
Munir Qureshi said focus should be on strategizing and what should be done to improve bilateral trade ties. He welcomed draft and proposal on APTTA agreement and said after submission a meeting may be called at Commerce Ministry for further discussion and to strategize effectively. He said keeping statistics in view, trade loss between two countries is greater and benefit derived by other stakeholders. An action plan may be installed with positive perspective.
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