The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce reports that from the beginning of Hamal (solar calendar) to the 10th of Mizan (solar calendar) of the current solar year, Afghanistan's exports to Pakistan reached $319 million. In comparison, during the same period last year, this figure was $344 million.
Khan Jan Alokozay, the head of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that efforts are underway to increase Afghanistan's exports to India, Russia, and Arab countries.
Alokozay told TOLOnews: “Last year, we had exports to Pakistan valued at around $344 million, but this year, it is only $319 million. The primary reasons for this decline are the closure of trade routes and increased tariffs.”
Torkham, Spin Boldak, Ghulam Khan, Angoor Adda, and Dand-e-Patan are official border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where most trade with South Asian countries takes place. However, occasional closures of these routes often create problems for trade.
On the other hand, Tawakal Ahmadyar, head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, met with the U.S. Embassy chargé d'affaires for Afghanistan to discuss resolving trade challenges with neighboring countries. This meeting focused on strengthening trade infrastructure, improving export and import conditions, and creating necessary facilities for Afghan private companies.
During the meeting, Ahmadyar stated that it is essential to address the existing problems and obstacles to Afghanistan's exports to neighboring countries, especially Pakistan.
Mirwais Haji Zada, a trader, told TOLOnews: “If Pakistan doesn’t reopen the routes for 10 or 15 days, we will suggest to our government to take action when Pakistan’s export season arrives, to cause them losses as well.”
At the same time, Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported that trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan via the Torkham crossing has gradually resumed in recent days, with traders using the difficult Shalman-Malagori route to reach Peshawar.
Zalmai Azimi, another Afghan trader, said: “Our exports, including fresh fruits, are being sent to Pakistan via Shalman, but only 10 percent of the usual 100 percent of exports are being carried out. This route has many challenges; trucks overturn, and drivers lose their lives.”
It is worth noting that annually, over $2 billion worth of trade takes place between Afghanistan and Pakistan, of which nearly $1 billion comes from exports. However, last year, exports to Pakistan dropped by up to 60 percent.
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