Business
Pakistani cabinet approves tariff concessions in trade with Afghanistan
In a significant step aimed at enhancing Pak-Afghan trade relations, Pakistan’s cabinet on Thursday approved a series of tariff concessions on bilateral trade with Afghanistan, according to a report by 24NewsHD TV.
According to the report, the cabinet endorsed a summary presented by the Ministry of Commerce under the framework of the Early Harvest Programme. The agreement on this initiative was reportedly finalized between the two countries just last week.
The new arrangement is expected to boost trade volumes between Pakistan and Afghanistan by offering reduced tariffs on select agricultural products.
Pakistan will offer concessions ranging from 5% to 26% on four key Afghan exports. For instance:
-
The existing 5% duty on Afghan tomatoes will be removed, lowering the overall tax from 27% to 22%.
-
Similarly, a 26% duty on grapes, pomegranates, and apples imported from Afghanistan will be scrapped, bringing their total tax down from 53% to 27%.
In return, Afghanistan will extend reciprocal tariff reductions on four Pakistani products, offering concessions between 20% and 35%:
-
Customs duties on Pakistani potatoes and bananas will be cut by 35% and 30%, respectively. This will reduce the tax on potatoes exported to Afghanistan from 57% to 22%.
-
Additionally, Afghanistan will eliminate the 20% duty on Pakistani kinnow (mandarins) and mangoes, reducing their tax rate from 47% to 27%.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Tehran will facilitate trade and economic exchanges with Afghanistan, including easing procedures at customs and local marketplaces.
He made the remarks during a televised interview following his visit to South Khorasan province, which shares a border with Afghanistan.
Pezeshkian, in a separate event addressing local business leaders, highlighted the province’s strategic advantages, citing its rich mineral resources, proximity to neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, and access to the ocean via the Chabahar port. He described the region as “a golden opportunity not found everywhere,” emphasizing its potential for economic growth and cross-border commerce.
A Kazakh delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan met with Sediqullah Khalid, First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank, to discuss ways of strengthening banking and economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by Da Afghanistan Bank, Khalid said the central bank is keen to establish regular and effective banking relations with Kazakhstan as part of broader efforts to expand bilateral trade.
He noted that enhanced banking cooperation would help facilitate trade, investment, and wider economic interaction between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, while also contributing to financial stability at the regional level.
Members of the Kazakh delegation also emphasized the importance of developing banking and economic ties and expressed their readiness to expand joint cooperation.
The two sides further agreed to establish technical committees from both countries to hold expert-level discussions and advance practical steps for cooperation.
Business
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan envoys discuss expanding trade and regional connectivity
Ambassador Shakeeb thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, particularly in efforts aimed at peace and economic development.
Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, has met with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations and advance regional cooperation.
The two envoys exchanged views on Afghanistan–Kazakhstan ties, regional connectivity, and major infrastructure initiatives, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing regional trade. Discussions also touched on Kazakhstan’s role in promoting regional stability and other matters of mutual interest.
Ambassador Shakeeb thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, particularly in efforts aimed at peace and economic development.
He expressed hope that the proposed $3 billion joint trade agreement, once finalized, would bring tangible benefits to both countries and contribute to broader regional economic integration.
Ambassador Kistafin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s support for stability and economic growth in Afghanistan, highlighting his country’s involvement in key regional connectivity and trade projects.
He said the current security and stability situation in Afghanistan has increased Kazakhstan’s confidence in expanding regional trade and transit, and praised the efforts of the Islamic Emirate in this regard.
He also stressed the need for coordinated regional efforts to ensure lasting stability, sustainable economic development, and the smooth movement of goods and transit across the region.
Amid strained Pakistan ties, Afghanistan turns to India for health cooperation
Pezeshkian pledges to facilitate Iran-Afghanistan trade
Pakistan summons Afghan diplomat over deadly attack in North Waziristan
Uzbek president stresses Afghanistan’s role in regional economic projects
US hits Daesh in Syria with large retaliatory strikes, officials say
Afghanistan U19 cricket team defeats India A U19
Afghanistan economy under pressure as Pakistan shocks reshape trade flows
Gaza death toll tops 70,000, health ministry says
India set to establish pharmaceutical factories in Afghanistan: MoIC
Afghanistan offers tax breaks, free land to attract Indian investors
Tawsia: India’s enthusiasm for investing in Afghanistan discussed
Tahawol: Global concerns over migration escalation discussed
Saar: Calls for Afghanistan’s balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy discussed
Tahawol: Discussion on regional countries’ meetings on Afghanistan
Saar: Regional efforts to address Afghanistan-Pakistan issues discussed
-
Latest News4 days agoIEA supreme leader stresses enforcement of Sharia law and sincere public service
-
Sport4 days agoILT20: Sharjah Warriorz secure 11-run victory over Gulf Giants
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan, India discuss expanding investment opportunities
-
International Sports3 days agoIPL 2026: Teams take shape after auction as franchises balance star power and depth
-
Sport4 days agoAbu Muslim Farah crowned champions of fifth season of Afghanistan Champions League
-
International Sports3 days agoILT20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders end Desert Vipers’ unbeaten run in dramatic one-run win
-
Latest News4 days agoEU and IFC launch €5 million program to support Afghanistan’s private sector
-
Latest News4 days agoHigh-level Kyrgyz delegation arrives in Kabul