The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, under the leadership of Senator Anusha Rehman, was written on efforts to open Badini border points for trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The committee also discussed the status of Barter trade arrangements with Iran, Afghanistan and Russia.
Ministry of Commerce officials informed the committee that an official letter has been sent to the Afghan government by the Foreign Ministry to activate the Badeni Border Crossing.
The move is aimed at facilitating bilateral trade and ease of trade and ease in the Chaman crossing, which are currently under heavy trade pressure.
Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Mohammad Ayub, said that both sides already have facilities for trade operations and road infrastructure will improve.
He emphasized that the reopening of the Badeni Border Point is very important for the export of imports and exports with Afghanistan, especially for the export of Pakistani rice.
However, he complained that the Ministry of Commerce and Customs officials have not yet given formal permission for exports through crossing.
In response, the Secretary of Commerce made it clear that no official order has been issued to prevent exports and the Chamber has been requested to share a copy of the ministry’s request letter to review.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce informed the committee on the progress of the Barter trade agreements with Iran, Afghanistan and Russia.
Officials said that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a new legal regulatory order (SRO) for the Barter trade, which now includes the names of the three countries instead of the list of itemized products.
The Cabinet Division has not yet returned the SRO, as it awaits final approval from the federal cabinet. Officials added that once after confirming, official notification will be issued.
According to the ministry, Pakistani firms and consorts will be allowed to engage in barter trade with companies in three countries, which are subject to the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Customs Department have been given the option of monitoring and facilitating barter transactions.
The new framework allows traders to solve trade transactions for up to 120 days, which can be done in the stages. Customs officials will also conduct quarterly reviews of goods traded to ensure compliance.
Senator Anusha Rehman stressed that the committee had already directed the government to make the barter trade process easier and make it more business friendly.
He remarked, “Customs officials want to maintain all powers, but our aim is to make trade easier, not difficult.”
Commerce Secretary Jawad Pal noted that a phased settlement clause has been included for the convenience of the traders, which creates flexibility to balance trade over time.
At the end of the meeting, President Ayub thanked the committee on behalf of the business community of Balochistan and Quetta Chamber, which expressed their support for promoting regional trade and reopening important border points for local trade.