Pakistan, Afghanistan resume high-level trade talks to boost economic ties

Pakistan and Afghanistan resumed high-level trade talks on Thursday after a year-long pause, focusing on boosting bilateral and transit trade, Pakistani news outlet DAWN reported. Afghan Acting Minister for Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi, leading a delegation in Islamabad, met with Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal to discuss key issues, including the renewal of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA).

Talks covered making the Torkham border operational 24/7, cross-border movement of heavy vehicles, coal exports, and establishing better port management. Pakistan proposed forming a joint committee for regular consultations to resolve trade hurdles.

Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan surged by 84.25% to $592.84 million in the first eight months of FY25, despite trade disruptions due to a 27-day Torkham border closure. Sugar was the top export. Both sides agreed on enhancing customs cooperation, cargo handling, and agricultural trade, expressing optimism about resolving issues through continued dialogue and technical-level meetings.