MoCI attempts to expand trade ties with Pakistan

After Afghan delegation visited Pakistan in a sign of warming relations, the Afghan minister of finance announced of efforts to develop trade ties between the two countries.

Pakistani Finance Minister has reiterated his government’s resolve to enhance Pak-Afghan trade to $5 billion till 2017 by facilitating the trade and businesses of both the countries.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) noted that they are trying to expand trade relations with the neighboring country, Pakistan.

“We have informed Pakistan that if the problems not solved, the contracts will not be extended again,” said Mazmal Shinwari, deputy minister of commerce.

But the Chamber of Commerce criticized this policy of government, citing trade reliance on a country means monopoly which is detrimental.

“The private sector does not want to have further trade relations with Pakistan. Islamabad has always pressed Afghan traders,” said Sayam Pesarlay, spokesman of chamber of commerce.

Trade and economic relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan seem to be improving, despite the history of Islamabad’s past support of the Taliban regime.