Traders of both Pakistan and Afghanistan have welcomed the trial-based round the clock (24/7) opening of the Torkham border for bilateral trade and termed it a good step towards the promotion of trade between both neighbouring countries. Commenting on the opening of the border, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, a former senior vice president of Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI) appreciated the decision of the government of Pakistan and said that the step would play crucial role in the promotion of bilateral trade between both countries.
He said that the volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan decreased manifold and keeping Torkham border open for 24/7 will not only help in the achievement of the target of trade rather it will also prove helpful in the resolution of the problems of the business community particularly exporters.
Sarhadi, who is also the president of Frontier Customs Agents Group urged the governments of both Pakistan and Afghanistan for provision of facilities to business community and taking immediate steps for the resolution of their problems. He said that besides, the simplification of the issuance of visas for business community including exporters and importers, the provision of facilities can also play major role in the promotion of bilateral trade.
He said that due to inflexible policies, the volume of bilateral trade between both countries slashed down from US$2.5 billion to less than US$1 billion. Therefore, he urged the leadership of both countries to soften their policies to promote bilateral trade.
Similarly, a prominent Afghan trader Ahmad Shah has also welcomed the round the clock opening of Torkham border and said that the business community of Afghanistan is jubilant over the step and are hopeful that the step will help resolve maximum problems at the border and would also build confidence.
The Afghan trader also called for the segregation of politics from the trade and setting aside pity issues by the governments of both countries to promote bilateral trade.
Another Afghan trader, Haji Zalmai has also welcomed the around the clock opening of Torkham border for trade. He said that the closure of the border on minor issues was causing mistrust between both countries. The round the clock opening of the border, he said, will promote bilateral trade between both countries.
The president of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Faiz Mohammad Faizi has also hailed the around the clock opening of the Torkham border and termed the initiative as a good step that would be good for the promotion of exports of the country. He has further demanded the opening of letter of credit on soft terms with the objective of increasing exports to Afghanistan.
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