Traders from Pakistan and Afghanistan have urged the two nations to set aside political differences and make joint efforts to boost bilateral and transit trade.
The participants urged the Pakistan government to devise a separate policy or mechanism for Afghan traders to help them get registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and other authorities so they can contribute to Pakistan's economy.

They also attributed the strict regulations, complicated laws and cumbersome procedures as main hurdles in bolstering Pak-Afghan mutual trade and transit trade, Tribune reported.

Afghan Commercial Attache in Peshawar Fawad Arash said his country is keen to bolster bilateral and transit trade with Pakistan. In this regard, he said the Afghan government has taken pragmatic steps and resolved issues concerning traders on priority.

The diplomat said the promotion of Pak-Afghan trade and economic relations is essential for bringing economic prosperity and development to the whole region. Therefore, he added that Kabul is taking serious steps to resolve issues of traders' communities on both sides of the border.

SCCI President Sherbaz Bilour noted that there is huge potential to further strengthen mutual trade relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, he emphasized that both the countries should set aside political differences and make joint efforts to bolster bilateral trade by resolving traders' issues amicably.

(SAM)