Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement: NA Speaker proposes formation of task force

ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser proposed formation of a taskforce to oversee the terms of negotiations of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) that is going to expire in year 2021 and needs input from parliamentarians and institutional stakeholders from both sides of the border for a comprehensive future trade agreement.

The speaker gave this proposal, while addressing the opening session of two-day seminar (October 26-27) "Pakistan- Afghanistan trade and investment forum 2020" in Islamabad on Monday.

He said that promotion of trade and economic links between Pakistan and Afghanistan would usher in a new era of socio-economic development, and would help bring people of the two countries further closer.

The speaker said that peaceful economic cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and improved trade and transit facilities would help to connect Arabian Sea shipping lanes with Central Asia.

He said that Pakistan's support for Afghan peace process and Intra-Afghan negotiations had been acknowledged by the Afghan government as well as the international community, and "we reiterate our continued support for the peace process".

He said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were strategically significant trading partners however, trade between the two countries gradually declined and eliminating trade barriers along with facilitating traders would not only enhance the trade volume between Pakistan and Afghanistan but would also greatly contribute to poverty eradication and social uplift.

"Such initiatives will also increase employment opportunities for our people and decreasing non-tariff barriers on both sides of the border will enhance mutual trade," Asad Qaiser said. The speaker pointed out that establishment of Pakistan-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group and its taskforces, for encouraging people-to-people contact and facilitate bilateral and transit trade, is a manifestation of our commitment to improving bilateral economic engagement with Afghanistan.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment in terms of promoting parliamentary diplomacy, and said that Pakistan is ready to play its role in mounting strong linkages for mutually-beneficial trade relations with Afghanistan.

Addressing the participants, he said that 2,640 kilometers Pak-Afghan border was not only the longest border that Pakistan shared with any of its neighbouring country, it was also the thread, which weaved our two nations into a historic tapestry of social, cultural, linguistic, economic, religious, and fraternal ties.

The speaker said that Pakistan values the common bond that binds Pakistan and Afghanistan together, and it is important for the leadership of the two sides to create harmony, develop understanding, and build consensus among ourselves to seek solutions of our common problems.

He called for building a united front against the scourges of our time especially poverty and instability.

"The level of participation in this forum from both sides fills us with hope for the future of our relations" Asad Qaiser said, while expressing gratitude to the leader of Afghan delegation and other participants for attending the seminar.

He expressed the hope that the seminar would go a long way boosting trade cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul, and both sides would be able to build a long-lasting mutually-beneficial relationship.

While address the seminar, Speaker Wolesi Jirga (Afghan Parliament) Mir Rehman Rehmani applauded the efforts of Pakistan government to support Afghanistan for bringing peace in Afghanistan.

He said that Afghanistan highly values its ties with Pakistan as both countries enjoy shared religious and cultural values, and Afghanistan is proud of its close relations with Pakistan. He said that there is a need to capitalise on potential of both countries as both countries have vast opportunities of trade and investment.

The speaker Wolesi Jirga said that by mutual cooperation both countries can progress and develop together.

He appreciated the steps taken by Pakistan government to facilitate the Afghan transit trade as now it takes just three days in clearance of a container on border, and opening of new border points for trade would facilitate the traders.

He said that both the countries can progress and develop together through mutual cooperation. He appreciated Speaker Asad Qaiser for his efforts to organise the seminar and bringing both nations closer.

The seminar was largely attended by parliamentarians, experts, trade chambers, and people from different walks of life.

Later, Focused Group discussions were held during the seminar on "Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Forum, 2020".

The discussions revolved around four thematic areas.

The first group, which was presided over by MNA Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh focused on reducing cost of Pakistan-Afghanistan Transit Trade with special reference to infrastructure issues, access to third country, temporary vehicle and driver admission policy, and improved processing at border posts.

The other important group was related to trade and investment opportunities in manufacturing sectors MNA Shandana Gulzar presided over the proceedings of the group.

This group specially discussed construction, textile, plastic, and pharmaceutical sectors.

The group on trade and investment opportunities in agriculture, food, livestock and minerals was headed by Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Syed Fakhar Imam, which debated issues related to these sectors, whereas, the group related to trade and investment opportunities in services was presided over by MNA Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi, which focused on banking, finance, IT, and medical tourism.

Parliamentarians, business community, experts and relevant ministries of both sides highlighted important issues, and proposed solutions to the problems being faced by the business community on both sides. The Afghan side highlighted the significance of bilateral trade with Pakistan and said that business community is making sincere efforts to develop strong bond of friendship through economic cooperation, which has also been reciprocated by Pakistan.

Candid discussions were held to remove barriers and overcome hurdles impeding bilateral trade.

Some solid recommendations were also floated by both the Pakistani and Afghan counterparts during the discussions.

These discussions would help in formulating recommendations for future course of action.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020