Press Release
Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry recently (PAJCCI) delivered a detailed report on high-impact concerns to the Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, National Security Adviser, and relevant ministries. Afghanistan Inter-Ministerial Coordination Cell, headed by Moeed, came together to discuss current concerns and possible solutions. Yusuf convened a meeting with representatives from PAJCCI, MOC, SBP, and other government agencies.
The most pressing difficulties impeding smooth trading activity were discussed, and where necessary, NSA issued directives. He promised that an extension for the suspension of E-Form and EIF would be granted before the present suspension expired; nevertheless, MOC will ensure that both sides speed up the process of implementing the barter trade mechanism in order to avoid subsequent extensions.
Third-party payment processing refusals by commercial banks where money has been released by relevant institutions would be handled by SBP on a case-by-case basis, with PAJCCI providing details of such cases. Any payment issues in the CAR transit trade are due to offloading carried out in Afghanistan, according to Arshad Bhatti, Director SBP. However, in light of recent developments allowing free movement of trucks in both countries, any payments issues in the CAR transit trade are due to offloading carried out in Afghanistan. In light of recent modifications to GLA by the US Treasury Department, MOFA and MOC will convene a meeting with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the US Department of the Treasury, SBP, Corresponding foreign banks, and Local Banks to discuss third-party payment processing. In place of a notification to be published by the interior ministry, NSA confirmed that body searches/physical checks at borders will be carried out by FC in a week’s time, and luggage will be scrutinized by Pakistan Customs instead of NLC. Our site has no reservations about making the “Nawapass” border operational, according to MOC, but the Afghan government has yet to agree owing to a lack of finances. Timings at all border crossings can be extended, but this must be a reciprocal action; the Afghan government currently lacks the resources to manage long hours and open more gates.
MOC will also conduct a tariff rationalization exercise, and PAJCCI will give a list of the top ten items for pilot testing. MOC is also working on expanding the PKR trading category and developing a new method for managing rebates and tax refund claims in the case of PKR trading. The GOP is prepared to fix issues of double taxation, but the GOA has yet to reply. Concerning border congestion, bonded warehouses, and pedestrian traffic, the NSA stated that existing border infrastructure is gradually being enhanced, and new borders would be opened once the infrastructure is in place. However, the Afghan side must also create some infrastructure. They have amenities on their side, particularly for pedestrian traffic. More FIA counters have been installed. Separate lines for patients are currently in place at the border, and similar lines for business visa holders will be established as infrastructure develops. The Republican Party has already made an offer. Infrastructure enhancements are needed on the Afghan side, but their government has yet to approve. PAJCCI’s idea to install information signboards in English, Urdu, and local languages for individuals crossing borders was well received by Yusuf, who directed that it be implemented as soon as possible.
With the cooperation of the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul and consulates in other places, MOC was briefed on the arrangement to allow free movement of trucks and the issuance of TAD. Applicants who need to renew their visit visas can do it online rather than going to the Pakistan Embassy. It was also requested that if products are cleared at one border post, all law enforcement bodies across the country accept the clearance documents. When the unfettered truck movement begins on March 21, 2022, this will be much more important. PAJCCI, MOC, and TDAP will plan the road. PAJCCI and MOC, in collaboration with TDAP, will organize roadshows, expos, and delegation exchanges with Afghanistan and CAR. MOC will also create a single-window method to deal with the burgeoning trade between Afghanistan and the Central African Republic. Both parties must provide a framework to build a trilateral CCI. PAJCCI is in charge. Investment and joint ventures are two of the most pressing demands of both countries’ corporate communities. PAJCCI made a proposal for a joint venture policy. The National Security Agency (NSA) has confirmed the GOP’s policy on investment and joint ventures will be released in the next two weeks, which will serve as a framework for future decisions. a business-friendly visa framework that makes it easier to start a business in Pakistan. He stated it again and again. In terms of visas, security, priority, and facilitation, Afghan policy must be reciprocal and facilitate Pakistani investors. The resumption of bus service between the two nations has been finalized, and it is expected to begin in a month, making it easier for pedestrians to travel.
Chairman PAJCCI Zubair Motiwala congratulated NSA and AICC members for organizing the meeting and agreeing to PAJCCI’s recommendations in many areas of improvement. He further stated that PAJCCI will use its ties to the Afghan business community to help resolve all outstanding concerns on the Afghan side. He thanked the NSA for their patience in extending the suspension of the E-Form and EIF and hoped that the relevant ministries would move quickly to develop a barter mechanism and resolve payment processing concerns. He promised that PAJCCI would do all possible to transmit GOP concerns to both the Afghan government and the business sector of both sides.
