Taliban officials have relayed a message from the Pakistani Consul General and Commercial Attaché in Herat, indicating a move by Pakistan to set the customs tariff for Afghanistan's fresh fruits and vegetables to zero. This adjustment specifically applies to Afghan pomegranates, grapes, peaches, and tomatoes, as confirmed by Shamsullah Samim, who heads the social media for the Taliban's spokesperson office. Samim's post on the platform X highlighted the announcement made by Kausar Ali Zahid, Pakistan's commercial attaché, during discussions with Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the Taliban governor in Herat.
The decision to eliminate customs tariffs on select Afghan produce is seen as a measure to enhance the trade dynamics between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Despite this development, there have been recent challenges at the Pakistan border, leading to delays and subsequent spoilage of Afghan fruits and vegetables. These incidents have inflicted considerable financial strains on Afghan traders, with the recent closure of crossings further aggravating the situation. The ongoing border closures pose a risk to the trade relationship between the two countries, especially affecting small traders dependent on the timely export of their goods.
Source: KHAAMA PRESS