- Regional trade hinges on practical policy, transparent engagement, and sustained public-private sector consultation
The Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI) hosted a high-level dinner reception and a business meeting in honor of H.E. Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Minister for Commerce, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, accompanied by a high-level official and business delegation. Held at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad, the event marked an important step towards strengthening bilateral economic ties and enhancing regional trade cooperation.
In parallel, a Government-to-Government (G2G) meeting was convened between Pakistani and Afghan authorities, focusing on policy-level engagement to address trade bottlenecks and accelerate economic collaboration between the two countries.
Mr. Zubair Motiwala, Chairman PAJCCI, in a subsequent board meeting congratulated the Government of Pakistan for extending this invitation and appreciated the commitment of the Afghan delegation to meaningful dialogue. He emphasised that such engagements are vital for promoting long-term bilateral and transit trade relations grounded in mutual trust and cooperation.
Mr. Junaid Makda, President PAJCCI, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce, Honorable Federal Minister Jam Kamal Government of Pakistan, for facilitating the visit and creating a conducive environment for dialogue. He also extended warm
congratulations to H.E. Minister Azizi, Co-Chairman Mr. Khan Jan Alkozai, and Mr. Younus Momand representing the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) noting that joint consultation is key to overcoming challenges and building a more robust and resilient economic partnership.
The event was also attended by Senior Vice President Mr. Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, Vice President Mr. Pervez Lala, Mr. Qazi Zahid Hussain (former president (PAJCCI) and Board Directors of PAJCCI, as well as distinguished representatives from the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) & Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). All participated actively contributed in the discussions and reiterated their support for collaborative policy reforms.
The meeting provided a timely opportunity to outline strategic priorities for immediate action. Core themes included enhancing trade consultation between public and private sectors, developing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), ensuring continuity in trade procedures, and facilitating the revival of formal banking and visa processes to restore business confidence and operational ease. The continuation of both Bank Guarantee and Insurance Guarantee (Insurance Guarantee: validation mechanisms is currently in process) were also appreciated.
It was mutually acknowledged that trade-related decisions must be driven by inclusive consultation rather than unilateral approaches. Both sides affirmed the need for practical, transparent, and coordinated efforts to ensure sustainable trade development.
PAJCCI reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a neutral platform and constructive facilitator between the governments and private sectors of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The chamber urged timely policy action on the identified priorities to unlock the full economic potential of the region.