Ziaul Haq Sarhadi Vice Chairman of All Pakistan Customs' Agents Association has asked Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for the utilisation of the funds of Export Development Fund (EDF) on the up-gradation of existing Peshawar Dry Port and establishment of new and modern dry port at Azakhel in Nowshera.
He advised the authority during a meeting with Director, TDAP Nauman Bashir. Deputy Director, Sairuddin and Assistant Director, Sidra Haq were also present on the occasion.
Sarhadi, who is also Director of Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI) briefed the TDAP officials regarding hurdles in the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, reservations of business community on new Afghan Transit Trade Agreement and matters relating to delay in the establishment of modern dry port in Peshawar.
He said that due to lack of facilities the exporters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa used to transport their goods to Karachi in private trucks while their customs and GD filing and their shipment to other countries is being made through Karachi.
Sarhadi also demanded review of Afghan Trade Agreement and asked TDAP to play its due role in this regard. He further said that due to ineffectiveness of Pakistan Railways and overcharging by bonded carriers in head of fare had brought formally exports from Peshawar to end.
The Director, TDAP, Nauman Bashir agreed in principle with the apprehensions of Ziaul Haq Sarhadi and assured playing an effective role in the implementation of his recommendations. He further assured the presentation of the reservations of the business community on new ATT to federal government.
The TDAP officials further assured for contacting the Ministry of Commerce and Pakistan Railways for establishment of modern dry port in Peshawar with and up-gradation of the existing one with immediate effect.