Third point designated for cement exports

The ministry of commerce has allowed export of cement to Afghanistan through the third transit entry/exit point of Ghulam Khan under the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA), a senior government official told Daily Times.

“However, under the notification, except cement no other goods are allowed for export to Afghanistan through Ghulam Khan. This step has been taken on the request of the Kabul administration as Afghanistan government was very keen for trade through the Ghulam Khan to facilitate the Afghans traders more,” the official said.

Earlier, there are two transit entry/exit points — Torkhum and Chaman — which are being used for the trade under the ATTA. “This new point would also help enhance the bilateral trade with Afghanistan, which currently stands at US$350m,” the official said. The official said so far during the current financial year, 900,000t of cement worth US$22m has been exported to Afghanistan.