KABUL: The ninth session of Pakistan- Afghanistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) concluded here on Monday with vows to enhance bilateral economic cooperation to promote peace and stability in the two countries.
The co-chairpersons of the session Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Afghan Finance Minister, Dr Omar Zakhilwal signed the agreed minutes of the session. Acknowledging the progress made on the Central Asia- South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA) 1000 and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project, the two countries keenly looked forward to the implementation of these projects.
Realizing the importance of Kunar Hydro Power project, both the countries agreed to work together to further expand cooperation in this project.The meeting also agreed that all issues raised by the Afghan side on the implementation of Afghan-Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement (APTTA) would be considered by Pakistan and the results will be reviewed in the relevant customs experts meeting scheduled by end of March 2014.
Pakistan side agreed to speed up the pace of work on various development projects being undertaken in Afghanistan through its financial assistance. The Afghan Government, on its part, agreed to expedite provision of electricity to the projects.
Pakistan side shared a new draft for the Avoidance of Double Taxation treaty. Both sides agreed to further discuss issues involving “Avoidance of Double Taxation” treaty at the earliest.
The Afghan side welcomed the extension of scholarship scheme for students from 2000 scholarships to 3000.A number of proposals for possible cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the areas of petroleum & natural Resources, industries & production, and agriculture & livestock were also discussed during the meeting.
Addressing the concluding session, Minister Zakhilwal said: “I firmly believe that improved economic cooperation and interdependency between Afghanistan and Pakistan not only helps bringing prosperity to our two nations, but it can also promote mutual trust between the two countries.”
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