Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Meets with Pakistan's Special Envoy for Afghanistan

Date: 24 December 2024

The IEA's Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, honorable Mr. Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, met with Special Envoy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan for Afghanistan, Mr. Mohammad Sadiq, along with the said country's ambassador and their accompanying delegation. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding facilitating trade and transit between the two countries.

During the discussions, both sides emphasized on finalizing the Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement (APTTA) and the issue of Cross-Stuffing. The delegation of Pakistan agreed to designate a specific place for transit of Afghanistan's goods.

Additionally, the removal of trade and transit barriers by Pakistan, providing further bank guarantee facilities, and reduction of 2% tax (cess) were also addressed during discussions.

Both sides agreed to collaborate in accordance with the international trade standards. Decisions were made regarding preferential trade, as per which, the exchange of four items from Afghanistan and three items from Pakistan would be allowed based on Afghanistan's export season.

In the end, discussion was made on the development of Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings.