ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have officially signed a new trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral commerce. The deal was inked by Pakistan’s Commerce Secretary, Jawad Pal, and Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister for Commerce, Mullah Ahmadullah Zahid. The agreement will take effect on August 1, 2025, and will remain valid for one year initially.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pakistan will reduce tariffs on four key Afghan exports including grapes, pomegranates, apples, and tomatoes. In return, Afghanistan will lower tariffs on four Pakistani exports including mangoes, quinoa, bananas, and potatoes. The tariff rates for these items will be slashed from 60 percent to 27 percent, facilitating smoother trade between the two neighboring countries.
The pact is expected to strengthen economic ties and provide mutual benefits to traders and farmers on both sides of the border.
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