Pakistan and Afghanistan recently held a high-level meeting to strengthen their bilateral trade ties. The meeting, which was co-chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, and his Afghan counterpart, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, saw the participation of senior officials from various ministries of both countries.
As per officials the meeting involved detailed discussions on several important aspects, including customs cooperation, border management, bilateral trade, reduction of tariffs, and issues related to the pharmaceutical and meat industry. Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthen their trade ties and address the challenges they face in their trade relationship.
The ministers emphasized the significance of smooth customs processes and efficient border management to facilitate trade and enhance economic cooperation. They also highlighted the need to streamline and simplify trade procedures, aiming to reduce bottlenecks and ensure a conducive environment for bilateral trade.
The participants exchanged views on enhancing trade volumes and expanding the range of traded goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The ministers acknowledged the importance of diversifying trade beyond traditional items and exploring new avenues of economic cooperation.
Moreover, discussions were held on improving infrastructure and connectivity to facilitate trade flows. The officials highlighted the potential benefits of investing in transportation and logistics infrastructure, which would contribute to increased trade activity and economic growth.
According to details, both sides expressed their commitment to addressing any challenges that hinder bilateral trade and pledged to work together to create a more favorable trade environment. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with the participants expressing their determination to strengthen trade ties and foster closer economic cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The meeting is expected to have a significant impact on the trade relationship between the two countries, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment. The meeting is also seen as an important step towards building stronger ties between the two nations, which have historically had a complex relationship.
In another meeting held on the same day, a four-member delegation led by Mr. Hadi Sirika, the Minister for Aviation of Nigeria, called on Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, the delegation and the Federal Minister engaged in discussions on increasing people-to-people contact, promoting cultural exchanges, and enhancing touristic and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Nigeria. They recognized the importance of fostering closer ties in these areas to promote mutual understanding and strengthen the bond between the two nations.
A key focus of the discussion was the aviation field, with both sides emphasizing the need for joint ventures and collaborations in this sector. They recognized the potential for enhancing connectivity and cooperation in the aviation industry, which would contribute to increased trade and economic growth between Pakistan and Nigeria.
Syed Naveed Qamar warmly welcomed the Nigerian delegation and expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations. He assured the dignitaries of the government’s full support in increasing trade between the two countries, in line with Pakistan’s Look Africa Policy. This policy aims to enhance economic and trade ties with African nations, including Nigeria.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing their determination to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in the aviation sector, and to work towards deepening economic ties between Pakistan and Nigeria. The meetings mark a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and its international partners.
