Leaders stress the need to separate commerce from politics and ensure roads remain open in all circumstances.
Trade leaders from Pakistan and Afghanistan participate in a Zoom meeting via video conference to discuss bilateral trade. Photo: Facebook
Pakistani and Afghan traders have begun formal negotiations with a particular focus on restoring bilateral trade, as part of efforts to ease months-long tensions and ensure continuity of cross-border trade.
The meeting, held via video link, was jointly organized by the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). According to a statement issued by the Khyber Chamber, authorities on both sides formally authorized the business community to engage in dialogue, a move hailed by participants as a positive step towards regional stability and trade continuity.
The Pakistani side was led by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer while the Afghan delegation was led by ACCI President Syed Karim Hashmi.
The participants agreed that negotiations would continue and the concerns and demands of traders from both countries would be forwarded to the relevant authorities. It was also decided that a joint committee would be formed to work towards restoration and uninterrupted flow of trade.
Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been completely suspended since October and the borders are closed. Traders noted that the current shutdown appeared more serious due to serious disagreements between the two sides and a lack of flexibility at the government level, sparking growing concern within the business community.
During the meeting, participants highlighted that the suspension of trade routes affects not only traders but also the general public of both countries, emphasizing the need to separate trade from political conflicts.
Pakistani participants reiterated their position that Afghan territory should not be used for anti-Pakistan activities. The trading leaders assured that this position would be effectively communicated to the authorities in Islamabad.
In response, Afghan trading leaders stressed that the sole objective of their authorities was to completely separate trade from politics and ensure that trade routes remain open under all circumstances in order to promote economic stability in both countries. They stressed that economic cooperation should not be affected by any kind of tensions and that trade policies must remain consistent and predictable.
Ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods, they said, is essential not only to sustain trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, but also to promote broader economic stability in the region. Following the meeting, both sides agreed to convene another Zoom session in the coming days, through mutual consultations, to review progress and assess practical measures to restore trade.
Participants from both countries commended the role of FPCCI and the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry in facilitating the dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to submit the agreed points to their respective authorities before the next round of negotiations.
