Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has dropped off sharply this year, reaching its lowest levels in years, said officials from the joint chamber of commerce.
According to chamber officials, the reason for this is the closure of trade routes by Pakistan and administrative challenges regarding the export process of Afghanistan’s goods.
Trade relations between the two countries are also fractured, especially as the closure of trade routes in Pakistan has resulted in major financial losses for fresh produce traders on both sides of the border, officials said.
According to them, hundreds of trucks filled with fruit and vegetables from Afghanistan lost their cargo this year as their goods spoiled due to road closures.
Experts believe that Afghanistan should find new routes and markets for export goods – especially fresh produce, adding that it is clear Islamabad is not taking steps to resolve the issues.
Pakistan however claims Afghan exports dropped by 96 percent against last year and Pakistan exports to Afghanistan declined by 83 percent.
Pakistan’s The Nation reported Monday that this decrease was due to Pakistan’s anti-smuggling efforts and import restrictions.