Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan have surged by 3.63% in the first half of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, according to the latest report from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Clocking in at $260.716 million from July to December 2023-24, this substantial increase marks a significant uptick from the $251.580 million recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year.
Afghanistan’s pivotal role as a conduit for Pakistan’s trade with Central Asian nations underscores the strategic importance of this burgeoning economic relationship. Key trade arteries like Torkham in the east, Spin Boldak in the south, and Ghulam Khan in the southeast facilitate vital exchanges between the two nations.
However, recent tensions and disruptions along the Durand Line, particularly at these crucial crossings, have posed challenges to the smooth flow of trade.
Despite the overall positive trend, year-over-year data from the SBP reveals a notable dip in December 2023, with exports plummeting by 26.83% to $28.019 million compared to $38.297 million in December 2022. This decline is further exacerbated by a staggering 46.02% month-on-month drop from November 2023.
The situation reached a fever pitch in mid-January when disagreements over documentation and regulatory protocols for commercial vehicles led to a gridlock, leaving thousands of trucks stranded at the border between the two nations.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, navigating the intricacies of cross-border trade remains paramount for sustaining economic growth and stability in the region.
