Peshawar
Panelists here at the consultative session on Pakistan and Afghanistan Trade have identified bottlenecks, which were hindering the bilateral trade between the two countries and underscored the need of pragmatic steps for smooth trade with regional countries.
The consultative dialogue was held under auspices of Sarhad Chamber Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Programme – which was funded by UK-Aid here at the local hotel on Friday.
The participants pointed out several hiccups and irritants, which are the major cause behind the declining mutual trade volume between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
They suggested that both Islamabad and Kabul should take joint measures to facilitate the business community on both sides of the borders.
The session was hosted by acting president of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Imran Khan while Abdul Karim Khan, Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Commerce and Industries, participated on the occasion as chief guest.
Besides, SCCI former presidents Zahidullah Shinwari, Faud Ishaq, Faiz Muhammad Faizi, former SVP Engr Mansoor Elahi, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, former vice president Junaid Altaf, executive member Khalid Shahzad, SEED Team Leader Umar Mukhtar Khan, Director FIA KP, Arbab Qaiser Mehmood, Director TDAP Rana Shahzad Ahmad, DG Transit Trade KP Arbab Qaiser Hamid, KPEZDMC CEO Javed Khattak, SMEDA provincial chief Rashid Aman, high-officials of relevant authorities/bodies, officer bearers of Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Peshawar, a large number of traders, importers, exporters and businesswomen were present during the session.
Emphasizing that removal of hurdles in way of mutual Pak-Afghan trade was essential to boost up economic of the both countries, the SCCI acting president called for joint initiatives to facilitate business community .—APP
