Cabinet okays concessions in trade tariffs with Afghanistan

In an important decision relating to Pak-Afghan trade, the federal cabinet on Thursday approved concessions in trade tariffs with Afghanistan, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Sources told the 24News TV channel that the cabinet gave an approval to the Ministry of Trade’s summary under the Early Harvest Programme. 

They informed that both countries had reached an agreement on the Early Harvest Programme last week.

Under the agreement, sources added, the trade volume between the two countries would be enhanced. 

They elaborated that there would be concessions in tariffs on specific agricultural items.

Pakistan, sources explained, would give five to 26 per cent concession to Afghanistan on its four items. 

The country would abolish five per cent duty on tomatoes imported from Afghanistan, they said, adding that resultantly, the tax on tomatoes would come down from 27 per cent to 22 per cent.

Similarly, sources informed that Pakistan would abolish 26 per cent duty on grapes, pomegranates and apples imported from Afghanistan, following which taxes on these items would drop from 53 per cent to 27 per cent.

Afghanistan, in return, would give 20 per cent to 35 per cent tax concession to Pakistan on its four products.

The country would reduce 35 per cent and 30 per cent customs duty on Pakistani potatoes and bananas, respectively. 

Following that, sources went on to say, the tax on the export of potatoes to Afghanistan would come down from 57 per cent to 22 per cent.

Likewise, Afghanistan would abolish 20 per cent customs duty on Pakistani kinnow and mangoes following which taxes on these items would reduce from 47 per cent to 27 per cent.

Reporter: Awais Kiani