2 years on, Tajikistan yet to issue visas to Kunduz traders

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): The Chamber of Commerce and Investment and a number of businessmen in northern Kunduz province complain they have not been able to obtain Tajikistan visa since last two years, badly affecting their affairs.

Abdul Matin Yousufzai, director of the chamber of commerce and investment, told Pajhwok Afghan News that not issuing Tajikistan visas had annoyed businessmen and had affected their affairs.

He urged the caretaker government to solve this problem.

He said: "Businessmen have not been issued visas by Tajikistan for last two years. The second problem is that businessmen cannot transfer more than 500 dollars in cash to Tajikistan. Our request is that this problem should be reconsidered and businessmen be allowed to carry at least three to four thousand dollars in cash."

Heshmatullah Abid, a businessman, said Shirkhan port was important for trade and business, but the problem of non-issuance of visas was a serious obstacle to businessmen's work.

He added: “Main problems of the businessmen of Kunduz province are the visa problem and the transfer of money. We request that this problem be solved as soon as possible."

On the other hand, Asadullah Niazi, head of foreign affairs of Kunduz Province, said they had several meetings with Tajik officials regarding the visa issuance.

He assured that the Tajik authorities would solve the problem soon.

sa/ma