The business communities across the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan are keen to strengthen bilateral trade and promote documented economy; therefore it is imperative to encourage genuine businessmen and formal economy which would help increase in GDP and tax collection.
This was stated by Junaid Esmail Makda, Director PAJCCI at an “Interactive session between British High Commission Delegation at PAJCCI Secretariat in Karachi”.
British delegates appreciated initiative of PAJCCI for holding such forum whereby presence of representatives from Afghan Consulate, Ministry of Commerce, relevant Customs officials and stakeholders all are ensured to deliberate upon resolution of those hindrances that hamper both transit trade and bilateral trade amongst Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.
In the said meeting, Alan Whitworth, Senior Economist- DFID Pakistan, William Calladine, Head of Afghanistan Team, BHC Islamabad, Khayyam Abbasi, Political Adviser, Junaid Esmail Makda, Director PAJCCI, AQ Khalil, Director PAJCCI & former President, KCCI, Majyd Aziz, former President KCCI, AbdulBasit, Director PAJCCI, Qazi Zahid Hussain, Director PAJCCI, Engr. Daroo Khan, Vice President, PAJCCI were also present. While speaking on the forum, Majyd Aziz elaborated upon the initiatives of PAJCCI in a span of three years for enhancement of stakeholders’ confidence across the border between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
AQ Khalil deliberated upon the dire need to implement core decisions as agreed upon in APTTCA meeting in the presence of PAJCCI directors from each side, Customs officials, Commercial Consular which would be critical to help resolving day-to-day trade issues. He stressed that automation of Customs is key to strengthen the trade and promote documented economy.
Original source: http://nation.com.pk/business/07-Mar-2015/pak-afghan-traders-keen-to-promote-economy