Amid ongoing trade tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced the signing of a preferential trade agreement with Pakistan.
This agreement was reached during a visit by the Deputy Minister to Islamabad as part of discussions aimed at reducing transit and customs-related challenges.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated: “Both parties agreed that four agricultural products from Afghanistan, grapes, apples, pomegranates, and tomatoes will be exported to Pakistan under preferential tariffs. In return, four Pakistani products—bananas, mangoes, potatoes, and mandarins will be imported into Afghanistan under similar preferential terms.”
Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, Chargé d’Affaires of the Islamic Emirate in Islamabad, said: “This preferential agreement is valid for one year and can be extended upon mutual agreement. Additional products may also be included in the future.”
However, a number of Afghan traders continue to raise concerns about transit challenges, high customs tariffs, and delays in the export process to Pakistan.
Omid Haidari, one of the traders, said: “Our largest exports are to two countries, Pakistan and India, and this is a good option for our trade. If the previous trade route can be reopened and more facilities provided, it could serve as strong motivation for local traders.”
These efforts come in the wake of political tensions in recent years between Kabul and Islamabad, which have severely impacted bilateral trade and caused a significant decline.
According to some experts, resolving these challenges could boost Afghanistan’s trade sector and create new opportunities for the private sector.
