Karachi, March 14, 2022 (PPI-OT):PAJCCI’s continuous efforts in removing trade barriers paid off when the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan formally agreed and announced the free movement of trucks in both countries carrying goods for bilateral and transit trade.
This is indeed an historic development, remarked Zubair Motiwala; Chairman PAJCCI and appreciated the personal interest and support of Abdul Razzak Dawood; Advisor to PM on Commerce and Investment in facilitating the same. He hoped that GOP will continue through its relevant quarters to bring improvement in trade policy and clearing obstacles. He reiterated submission of report on high impact issues and plausible solutions, one of which was allowing free movement of vehicles that was long pending. He also referred his last meeting with the Advisor in January 2022 which resulted in addition of further items in PKR trading category.
The new policy will be effective from 21st March 2022, Afghan transporters can obtain Temporary Admission Document (TAD) from the Pakistan embassy in Kabul and its consulate in Kandahar, while transporters in Pakistan can obtain the same from Afghan consulates in Peshawar and Quetta. TAD will be valid for 6 months and can be used for multiple entries.
This move will not only allow free movement of each other`s trucks between the two countries but also for transit trade especially with CAR. The ease of movement will bring about major improvement in trade and economic relations of both countries, accessing each others market, reducing cost of business, generating employment and increasing revenue for both governments.
Last week, senior officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan met at the Torkham border to discuss the smooth flow of trade and pedestrians, in addition to free trucks movement both governments have also agreed to initiate bus service between major cities for people-to-people connectivity.
For more information, contact:
Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI)
Tel: +92-21-99218024-7
Fax: +92-21-99218028
Email: info@pajcci.com
Website: http://www.pajcci.com/