The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce stated that reducing the taxes imposed by Pakistan on Afghan exports to zero would not help this late in the season. They emphasized the need for urgent discussions to reduce tariffs.
Naqibullah Safi, the executive director of the chamber, said that additional tariffs are still in place. He noted that officials from both countries have not yet agreed on measures to reduce tariffs.
The executive head of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce stated: “So far, officials have kept the taxes in effect. No actions have taken place to reduce or eliminate them. However, both sides have discussed lowering tariffs on some goods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. They have not yet reached an agreement.”
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Afghan Traders Urge Action
Some fresh fruit exporters are calling on the Islamic Emirate. They urge it to seriously address the existing issues before the export season for Afghan products to Pakistan ends.
Haji Mohammad Qasim, a businessman, said: “They should have addressed this during the apricot and grape seasons. Now, the farmers from the north have ruined the grapes, and something that once fetched one hundred Afghanis is now worth not even five Afghanis.”
Mohammad Nazir, another trader, said: “Traders aren’t exporting anything, and if they do, they find everything stuck in cold storage.” Authorities must open the route to Pakistan and reduce taxes so that we can export to Pakistan and retain some income for ourselves.”
The Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, criticizing the taxes imposed by Pakistan during the export season of Afghan goods, said that Afghan traders and farmers have always suffered because of this.
Mirwais Haji Zada First Deputy of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, said: “Today, reducing tariffs is of no use because our traders and farmers have suffered losses; compensation must be provided to them.”
Authorities use Torkham, Spin Boldak, Ghulam Khan, Angoor Adda, and Dand-e-Patan as the official crossing points between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and traders conduct most trade with South Asian countries through these crossings. However, the closure of these routes for exports and imports has significantly reduced trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
This news is sourced from [Tolo News] and is for informational purposes only.
