The federal government permitted the export of particular commodities to Central Asian Republics (CARs) through Afghanistan against the Pakistani rupees.
As per a document available with the media sources, the government has allowed the trade of goods in rupees by the land ways by making modifications to the Export Policy Order, 2020. The modification permits the export of rice, salt, cement, medicine, meat, poultry, fruits and dried fruits, fish and other fish products, candies, pills, sweets, and sugar products.
The articles also comprise plant foods parts, bakery products, oil cakes, vegetables, and related material, matches, vegetable waste, textiles, and textile products, building stones, and surgical instruments.
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During the last month, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet had permitted the export of additional 14 items to Afghanistan in rupees through land courses due to the non-availability of tradable currency via banking channels.
Consequently, the decision will also aid the Taliban-led rule to continue the import of vital food items from Pakistan until the West accepted their government. The ECC claimed the decision was made considering the food crisis and prevalent conditions in Afghanistan.
Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) President Ismail Suttar appreciated the development and said that it would pave the way for gaining access to Afghanistan’s markets again.
“In the past, we lost Afghan markets to the Indians, however, it is our turn now to take the advantage,” he remarked.
Pakistan Businesses Forum (PBF) officials also viewed the move as a positive initiative taken by the Commerce Division to facilitate bilateral trade.
Since the Taliban occupied Kabul, Pakistan has made numerous measures, including a radical decrease in duty on imports of fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan. In this regard, the ECC also excused 45% duty on the import of chilghoza from Afghanistan.
