KABUL: During a two-day conference in Kabul, representatives from Pakistan and Afghanistan reached a consensus to separate trade from political tensions and prioritize the welfare of their citizens.
Both sides committed to ensuring uninterrupted trade and transit connections, aiming to finalize the ‘Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Agreement’ within two months. As part of this agreement, Pakistan pledged to streamline the transfer of goods from containers to regional containers at Karachi port.
Additionally, a temporary free permit for truck movement, effective from May 2024, was agreed upon in a preferential trade agreement between the delegations, lasting for one year. Furthermore, both countries agreed to facilitate multi-modal air transit through their respective airports, with plans to commence within the next two months.
In a significant move, Pakistan agreed to waive the bank guarantee requirement for goods in transit from Afghanistan, considering existing insurance as adequate. Both delegations committed to addressing any remaining obstacles through mutual consultation and enhancing banking relations.
Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid disclosed that Pakistan expressed interest in purchasing coal at international market prices during the negotiations.
The Pakistani delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Commerce Muhammad Khurram Agha, and the Afghan delegation, headed by Acting Minister of Commerce Nurud-din-Azizi, led their respective sides in the talks.
