First joint market to be operationalised in February: Pakistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Pakistan has shared the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of Joint Border Trade Markets (JBTMs) with Afghanistan, a statement from Pakistan’s Embassy in Kabul said.

The document covering all the modalities including the proposed list of items to be traded in these markets and locations and proposed list of items to be traded in JBTMs with Afghanistan and has sought views of Afghan side on this initiative, the statement said.

The move comes In line with the vision of Prime Minister, the Government of Pakistan has decided to establish twelve (12) such markets along Pak-Afghan border, out of which one at Shaheedano Dand in Kurram Agency will be operationalized by February 2021, as a pilot project.

The JBTMs are believed to promote the wellbeing of the people living on both sides of the border, rehabilitate those affected by anti-smuggling drive, economically integrate the neglected areas, formalize bilateral trade and transform local economies of people living across Pak-Afghan border.

Accordingly, on 22 November 2020 Pakistan shared the draft MoU and proposed list of items to be traded in JBTMs with Afghanistan and has sought views of Afghan side on this initiative.

Once, formally established the people friendly initiative of JBTMs of Prime Minister of Pakistan is expected to uplift the economic and social wellbeing of the people living across Pak-Afghan border.

Pr/nh

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