AFGHAN WAR A HURDLE IN TRADE WITH C. ASIA

The Nation

ISLAMABAD (NNI): Decade-long ceaseless war in Afghanistan has become a major hurdle in the growth of external trade between Pakistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs).

Statistics show that the average annual trade between Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgzistan is below $ 48 million, in spite of the fact that these countries have a potential of over one billion dollar annual trade. In the fields of textiles, leather, cotton, machinery tobacco, cosmetics, hides, and synthetica fabrics, etc.

Detailed countrywise trade figures reveal that Pakistan's exports to Uzbekistan (from 1993-94 to 1996-97) remained at $ 103 million: $ 117 million in 1993-94, $ 22.907 million in 1994-95, $ 43.355 million in 1995-96 and $ 50 million in 1996-97.

Similarly, Pakistan's entire imports from this country stood amounted to & 4.995 millioin from 1993-94 to 1996-97. Figures point out a gradual increase in trade volume each year, which can be enhanced rapidly provided the certain measures are made to carry on trade with these republics via Afghanistan, said sources.

Likewise, country's exports to Kazakhstan recorded at $ 40.507 million in four years, while imports remained around $ 7.438 million.

Statistics further indicate that Pakistan exported goods valuing $29.130 million to Turkenistan from 1994-1997 and imports stood at 2.688 million. Average annual trade between Pakistan and this republic is at $6 million only. Meanwhile, to trade level with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is also similar to that of Turkmenistan.

According to sources the Central Asian republics (CARs) got independence in 1991, but since then serious efforts had not been made from both the sides to give boost to external trade to exploit the existing potential.

Experts are of the view either both the sides should pacify the warring factions in Afghanistan to put and end to bloody war or initiate cargo service on subsidised rates.

Because there no land route available in this region without passing through the valleys of Afghanistan. Though the government of Pakistan has recently set-up a sub-committee to review pace of trade with CARs and to make measures formits growth. However, the desired promotion of However, the volume of trade between Pakistan and CARs would remain abysmally low as long as war lingers on in Afghanistan and cargo serice is nog kicked-off, added sources.