On Wednesday, a preference tariff agreement has been signed between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the trade of eight agricultural commodities between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to a Taliban government’s statement in Afghanistan, the two countries will be forced to reduce revenue on eight agricultural goods from 60 % to 27 %.
The agreement was signed in Kabul on Wednesday, Representatives of Afghan Industry and Commerce, Maulvi Ahmadullah Zahid and Javed Pal, Secretary of the Commerce Ministry of Pakistan.
Under the agreement, the two countries have decided to significantly reduce the import tax on eight agricultural commodities.
According to the agreement, the four items exported from Afghanistan to Pakistan will reduce tariffs, including grapes, pomegranate, apples and tomatoes, while Pakistan will be reduced to Afghanistan, canoe, banana and potatoes.
A -year contract will be applicable from August 1, 2025 and will be expanded in the future. In addition, more items can be added to it.
According to information received from the United Nations database related to international trade, Pakistan’s imports from Afghanistan during 2024 were around US $ 66 million.
Pakistan also imported fruits, vegetables, pitch, minerals, spices etc. from Afghanistan, as well as oil, animal skins and precious stones.
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According to data received from the United Nations websites, Afghanistan’s imports during 2019 were more than US $ 1 billion.
During the above year, Pakistan recovered medicines, stones, cement, sugar, furniture and wood, shoes and other items made of fruits and vegetables.
Experts see the agreement as a positive success in trade relations between two neighboring countries, which will pave the way to promote economic cooperation in the region.
According to analysts, the deal will strengthen the agricultural economy in the border areas and local farmers are likely to get better prices.
Agricultural trade between the two countries has often been affected by border tension and uncertain conditions, but the agreement is being seen as a trust -building measure.