Afghanistan Times
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KABUL: Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has recently surged based on data released by Pakistan envoy, as Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that a longstanding trade dispute between the two countries have been resolved.
Based on data shared on Twitter by the Pakistani special envoy for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, over 1,450 trucks laden with goods or returning empty have passed through Torkham, 1,094 through Chaman, 618 through Ghulam Khan, 564 through Kharlachi and 410 through Angora Ada within the past three days.
Moreover, the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that the crossing points with Pakistan were the shortest transit path for Afghan exports, and that the trade problems between Kabul and Islamabad have been resolved.
“Afghanistan’s exports are going well and increased by 20% from last year. With the opening of air corridors, our exports will increase by 25% by end of this year,” said Mohammad Younis Momand, head of the organization.
Some traders in the eastern province of Nangarhar said that trade was at a normal rate at the Afghan and Pakistan crossings. The traders said that the trade rate was still at a low level and shows a 50 percent reduction compared to four months ago.
“Pakistani representatives have said that our trade with Afghanistan has increased, and goods are transiting through Ghulam Khan, Spinboldak and Torkham borders,” said Zalmai Azimi, a trader.
“It is very important for us to export our goods to the Indian markets through Pakistan,” said Abdul Nasir Reshtia, an economist.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have five crossing points.
Afghanistan mainly relies on Pakistan, Iran and Central Asian nations for imports and exports as the country lacks direct access to coastal ports.
