Swift clearance of goods at Torkham stressed

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has underlined the need for swift clearance of trade goods at the Torkham crossing.

SCCI President Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz, addressing a meeting in Peshawar, called for the removal of impediments to trade between the neighbours.

Pakistan should take measures to facilitate the business community on both sides of the crossing to enhance bilateral trade, he said.

Concrete measures had to be taken to accelerate the checking and clearing of trucks loaded with goods and other items at the Torkham crossing, he believed.

The SCCI chief suggested improvement in the Torkham crossing management system to resolve issues of exporters and importers.

While hailing the opening the border 24/7 as a welcome step, he explained the checking and clearing process was very slow.

Clearance delays were not only affecting exports, they were also impeding bilateral trade, whose volume had already declined, Percaiz continued.

“If the government does not take immediate steps for addressing our concerns, the delay will definitely affect bilateral trade,” he warned.

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