Leaders emphasize keeping trade separate from politics and ensuring routes remain open under all circumstances
Trade leaders from Pakistan and Afghanistan join a Zoom meeting via video conference to discuss bilateral trade. Photo: Facebook
Pakistani and Afghan traders have begun formal talks with a particular focus on restoring bilateral trade as part of efforts to ease months-long tensions and ensure continuity of cross-border trade.
The meeting, held via video link, was jointly organized by the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). According to a statement issued by the Khyber Chamber, authorities on both sides had formally allowed the business community to engage in dialogue, a move welcomed by the participants as a positive step towards regional stability and trade continuity.
The Pakistani side was led by Patron-in-Chief of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), SM Tanveer, while the Afghan delegation was led by ACCI Chairman Syed Karim Hashmi.
Participants agreed that negotiations would continue and concerns and demands of negotiators from both countries would be conveyed to the relevant authorities. It was also decided that a joint committee should be set up to work towards a restoration and uninterrupted flow of trade.
Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been completely suspended since October and the borders have been closed. Traders noted that the current shutdown appeared more severe due to serious disagreements between the two sides and a lack of flexibility at the government level, causing growing concern in the business community.
During the meeting, participants emphasized that the suspension of trade routes affected not only traders but also the public in both countries, stressing the need to keep trade separate from political disputes.
Pakistani participants reiterated their position saying that Afghan territory should not be used for anti-Pakistan activities. Trade leaders assured that this position would be effectively communicated to the authorities in Islamabad.
In response, Afghan trade leaders stressed that their authorities’ single-point agenda was to completely separate trade from politics and ensure that trade routes remain open under all circumstances to promote economic stability in both countries. They stressed that economic cooperation should not be affected by any kind of tension and that trade policies should remain consistent and predictable.
Ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods, they said, is essential not only to maintain trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, but also to promote broader economic stability in the region. At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to convene another Zoom session in the coming days, through mutual consultation, to review progress and assess practical steps to restore trade.
Participants from both countries praised the role of FPCCI and Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry in facilitating the dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to submit the agreed points to their respective authorities ahead of the next round of talks.
