Traders demand cut in customs, export duties

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Following a reduction in rail freight tariffs for Afghanistan by Uzbekistan, a number of Balkh traders have asked the caretaker government to cut customs and transport duties on exports.

The businesspeople, hailing the 50 percent tariff cut by Uzbekistan, hoped the step would boost trade ties between the two countries besides spurring exports and imports.

One Balkh trader, speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, described the tariff cut by Uzbekistan as support to them. He also urged the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to reduce the customs and transport duty on exports.

He stressed the provision of more facilities by the government and said: “Each trader needs a cheap route for the export of commercial goods such as railroads. We want IEA to support traders and encourage them into more investments in the country.”

Zubair Nisar Zada, another businessman, commented if Uzbekistan could slash the duty for Afghans, the caretaker government could take similar steps to encourage businessmen.

A Sarkhan Darya Railway official in Uzbekistan confirmed to Pajhwok the 50 percent reduction in the cost of transporting commercial goods through rail.

Sarkhan Darya Railway Director Farhad said: “Through the Hairatan Friendship Bridge, $200 was charged for a 40-tonne truck and $100 for each 20-tonne wagon previously, but the charges have been slashed by 50 percent. Now the railway freight rate has also been reduced.”

Uzbekistan wanted to help Afghan businessmen in every sphere in order to strengthen business relations with Afghanistan, Farhad continued.

Meanwhile, Afghan Railway Authority (ARA) officials in Balkh said they were trying to provide Afghan traders with more facilities for regular trade among the regional countries.

Balkh ARA Director Mohammad Shafiq Mahmood claimed they offered export/import services round the clock.

Afghanistan Commerce and Investment officials also hailed the reduction of duty on goods exported to Uzbekistan.

They believed the step would benefit Afghan businessmen and reduce Afghanistan’s reliance on special transit routes in the region besides promoting the country’s exports and import.

aw/mud

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