Pakistani diplomat said that Afghanistan will be given transit fee if it ensures smooth supply of goods.

“Under the existing mechanism, the drivers of trucks carrying goods between Pakistan and Uzbekistan brave multiple problems including at various check posts in Afghanistan. If restrictions under the name of scrutiny on the way to Uzbekistan from Pakistan are removed, the trade will flourish.”

The ambassador said that under the proposed agreement, these issues would be resolved ensuring the scrutiny of the documents of the drivers of trucks and other supporting staff only at the entry and exit points, not at check posts in Afghanistan. This will end the delays in the delivery of consignments, he said.

Ambassador said that Pakistan has formally submitted with Uzbekistan the draft for Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that will initially help increase the trade to US$400 million between the two countries.

“We will be the beneficiary of the PTA being a member of the WTO whereas Uzbekistan still needs to be a WTO member,” he added.