The role of Ministry of Industry and Commerce in linking the normalization of Trade and Transit between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Press Release

Following the outbreak of the (COVID-19) epidemic, countries around the world took urgent precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the (COVID-19) epidemic, which brought trade and transit relations between countries to their lowest level in comparison to the recent decades; Pakistan, meanwhile, has closed its borders to trade and transit with Afghanistan, resulting in the closure of more than 15,000 containers of private sector commercial and transit goods in the ports of Karachi, Chaman, Torkham and Ghulam Khan. On the one hand, this verdict caused great financial losses to the private sector, and on the other hand, it caused the prices increase in Afghanistan markets.

Following this action of Pakistan, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce took the initiative and with the close cooperation of the relevant ministries, government organizations and the private sector, was able to succeed the process and pave the way for the resumption of trade and transit between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Undoubtedly, the role of each relevant ministries and organizations are very valuable and undeniable. Particularly, the active diplomatic apparatus of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Transport, the Local Governance (strengthening Kabul's relations with Kandahar, Nangarhar and Khost provinces) and finally perseverance and diligence of the private sector is commendable in the transfer of their goods.

Fortunately, trade and transit between Afghanistan and Pakistan have returned to normal, and Torkham in Nangarhar, Spin-Boldak in Kandahar (trade and transit have been suspended for some time due to protests by Pakistanis in the Chaman area), Ghulam Khan in Khost, Angor Ada in Paktika and Kharlichi (Dand e Pathan) in Paktia Ports, have resumed for imports and exports between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In addition, unconfirmed reports indicate that Pakistan will allow Afghanistan export goods through the port of Wagah on July, 15, 2020, subject to compliance with the World Health Organization health guidelines.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce welcomes this kind and friendly action of Pakistan, and believes that the expansion and strengthening of trade and transit relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan is most in the interest of the people of two countries, which is one of the important goals of both governments.