Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber Of Commerce and Industry playing pivotal role in enhancing positive bilateral ties: Consul General Afghanistan

Karachi, April 02, 2014 (PPI-OT): In such short span of time, PAJCCI has not only established its roots as a unioque entity but also delivered at the optimal level and enhanced confidence across the board. Keeping in view its vision, inspirational leadership, team work and commitment to strengthen bilateral ties, both Embassy and Consulates of Afghanistan in Pakistan intends to support all its initiatives and endeavours whole-heartedly.

This was stated by Consul General -Afghanistan in Karachi, H.E. Shah Ahmad Saeed during a call-on meeting with Mr. Zubair Motiwala, Co-President PAJCCI. The meeting was also attended by Directors PAJCCI Junaid Makda, A.Q. Khalil and Talat Mahmood, Secretary General Faiza Nasir and Commercial Attache Mr. Zeeshan Ibrahimi.

Mr. Motiwala deliberated upon the dire need to constitute committee as discussed in APTTCA meeting including PAJCCI director from each side, custom officials, commercial counselors which would be critical to help resolve day-to-day operational issues on prompt basis. The committee would also conduct working on tariff rationalization across the border to facilitate adoption of fiscal reforms for countering parallel trade between the two countries.

He emphasized greatly on the significance of establishing Export House or Trading Warehouse for the business and trading community across the border under PAJCCI’s umbrella with due support from Governments on both the sides. This concept would eliminate issues related to quality specifications, trust deficit, insurance and payment matters and will build the confidence amongst each other.

He further reiterated the requirement of providing one-year multiple visa to Pakistani traders and businessmen on reciprocal basis. In case of business visas, it was suggested that they must have PAJCCI certificates as compulsory document required for visa processing. Mr. Junaid Makda further added that requirement of PAJCCI certificate should be made part of the visa form for easing the administration process related to visa issuance.

Consul General agreed with the above suggestions and stated that these measures are significantly important for strengthening the business links amongst each other. He also informed that Ministry in Afghanistan and Ambassador to Pakistan is also keenly following-up the issuance of one-year multiple visas and shortly it will be implemented.

For the time being, they are extending 6 months’ multiple visa. He also agreed with the suggestion to make PAJCCI’s certificate compulsory in case of issuance of business visa.

Mr. Motiwala further briefed him about the discussions pertaining to extension of APTTA to Tajikistan and intent of Tajikistan Ambassador to have trilateral arrangement with PAJCCI. H.E. Shah Ahmed Saeed greatly welcomed this opportunity and considered it as a need of time.

Mr. A.Q. Khalil highlighted that waiver may be provided in context of requirement of Police reporting at airport that hampers businessmen.

Consul General explained that as it is a reciprocal stance but this may be highlighted at his end and the same may be done by PAJCCI at the front of Pakistan side. He also established that a recent meeting of Ambassador is planned with H.E. Sartaj Aziz and these matters will be brought into discussion for prompt resolution.

In context of upcoming interactive session to be organized by Directorate of Training and Research (Customs) on April 9, 2014 both sides discussed issues related to stakeholders that must be brought into focus at the forum for mutual benefit.

Mr. Zeeshan Ibrahimi suggested that PAJCCI should support the allocation of two off-dock terminals for Afghan transit goods one each at Karachi and Port Qasim, which would help resolve major issues, associated with Afghan transit trade and will help enhance trade volumes. Mr. Motiwala sought a concept note on this suggestion before the meeting so that necessary actions may be identified in this context.

It was also discussed that a Joint Exhibition department may be established between PAJCCI and commercial consulates to ensure presence of business community from across the border in these events in order to bring them closer further.

Mr. Motiwala informed them about co-hosting the CABOC (Central Asian Business Opportunity Conference) with USAID on April 14-16 and also about upcoming exhibitions in Pakistan where Afghan traders can get the necessary visibility and PAJCCI can facilitate them accordingly in this context.

For more information, Contact:
Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber Of Commerce and Industry
Tel No: 021-99218024-7,
Fax: 021-99218028,
Email: info@pajcci.com