Pakistan has fully removed restrictions on imports of products from Afghanistan, officials of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said on Tuesday, as measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have shut down commercial ties across the region.

With this announcement by Pakistan, Afghan businessmen will be able to export their products to Pakistan six days a week through Torkham and Chaman crossing points.

The move will also help the Afghan business community expand the import and exports of other products beside foodstuffs.

“Pakistan has shown readiness to keep Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings open six days a week for 24 hours; however, only on Saturdays will the crossings will be opened for passengers,” said Sayed Zaman Hashemi, the CEO of ACCI.

This comes as Afghanistan prepares to harvest its fruits and the season for vegetables is also on the horizon.

“This is very important that Pakistan opens the route, air corridors have also their own benefits, but not as much as this (land route), we hardly export two to three tons of product in one flight, but this is not sufficient, Pakistan is our key exporter, 70 to 80 percent of our exports go to Pakistan,” said Mohammad Farooq Ahmadi, the head of fresh fruit and vegetable exporters.

“Afghanistan is in a very sensitive situation; it needs to export its agricultural products, this problem needs to be resolved to avoid further losses for our farmers and businessmen,” said economic analyst Abdul Wase Haidari.

Earlier last month Pakistan announced that it was resuming its exports to Afghanistan.

Last month, Pakistan announced that Torkham and Chaman crossings will remain open five days a week for exports.