Pakistan and Afghanistan sign agreement to reduce tariffs on agricultural items
Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, July 24, AZERTAC
Pakistan and Afghanistan have signed an agreement to reduce tariffs on selected agricultural products. Under the agreement, both countries will lower tariff rates from 60 percent to 27 percent, aiming to boost bilateral trade and support the agricultural sectors of both nations.
The Early Harvest Programme (EHP) between Pakistan and Afghanistan will reduce tariffs on eight agricultural items for one year, laying the foundation for a broader Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries.
Following detailed discussions between Pakistani and Afghan officials, the agreement was signed in Islamabad by Pakistan’s Commerce Secretary, Jawad Paul, and Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mullah Ahmadullah Zahid. The Afghan Deputy Minister is currently visiting the Pakistani capital with a delegation of senior officials.
Under the agreement, tariffs will be slashed on four Afghan agricultural exports to Pakistan - grapes, pomegranates, apples, and tomatoes - as well as on four Pakistani exports to Afghanistan - mangoes, kinnows, bananas, and potatoes - bringing rates down from over 60 percent to 27 percent.
The Early Harvest Programme will come into effect on August 1 and will remain valid for one year, with the possibility of extension. The agreement also allows for the future inclusion of additional items, marking the first tangible step toward comprehensive PTA negotiations between the two countries.
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