German Consul General contemplates role of Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber vital for stability in Afghanistan

KARACHI: Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI) The mutual need to have a stabilized “Afghanistan” especially in the form of trading and economic partner was discussed in detail during a meeting of directors of Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI) with Consul General and First Secretary of the Federal Republic of Germany in Pakistan. The meeting was held at PAJCCI Secretariat on Thursday, May 3, 2012. 

Tala tMahmood, Director PAJCCI, elaborated on the background of establishment of this unique Chamber and objectives of this entity to facilitate bi-lateral trade between the two nations and to pave ways for peace process in the region. He informed Dr. TiloKlinner, Consul General and Mr. SamySaadi, First Secretary that this Chamber is duly recognized and licensed by Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as well as Government of Pakistan. 

A.Q. Khalil, Director PAJCCI, further embarked upon the interest that German Consul may have in the establishment of this Chamber. Dr. Klinner articulated that formation of this Chamber is remarkable and may turn into an important platform to reach CIS countries and aid in solving issues pertaining to logistics of Transit Trade. In response to this A.Q. Khalil apprised them of the major issue of smuggling faced during Transit Trade and proposed that the German Consulate can extend major support if they computerized movements of their containers and ensured installation of trackers to help eradicate this issue.

Dr. Klinner further established that their general interest is in strengthening regional trade and supporting stabilization process in Afghanistan as a means to the end. He highlighted that significance of this Chamber would be to get the APTTA rules and processes streamlined for the greater interest of all stakeholders involved. 

Mian Abrar Ahmed, President KCCI, voiced the concerns that it is vital for this Chamber to receive support and feedback for all esteemed entities like German Consulate in order to strengthen the regional block. First of all, exchange of information between the two countries with respect to business opportunities is extremely critical. Samy Saadi, First Secretary in his discussion with Secretary General PAJCCI, Faiza Nasir, ensured his support to share information of mutual concern. It was also deliberated that German consul would share list of initiatives to be taken up by PAJCCI where they can ensure their direct support. 

Junaid Makda, presented preliminary facts about formation of this entity and presented profile of the Chamber to the Guests. He asserted upon the need to have open communication lines between the two entities for mutual benefits and development of strong regional trading block.