Khunjrab Pass operations to further bolster Pakistan-China ties: Official

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Coordinator to Federal Tax Ombudsman Meher Kashif Younis said this week that the resumption of long-awaited operations via Khunjerab Pass would further bolster trade with China, besides strengthening people-to-people contacts.

Talking to a delegation of industrialists and traders led by Faran Shahid, he said it was also another good omen that the two sides were now working to keep the border crossing open round the year.

The reopening was expected to witness huge growth of cross-border trade and transportation this year, he said adding a major turnaround for Pakistani producers was expected in the wake of relaxation of COVID-19 related restrictions.

He said cherry had been allowed to be exported to China and this would open up a market of up to USD 2 billion. Similarly, sesame seed export to China had also increased, he added.

He highlighted that it was aimed at connecting China to Pakistan’s ports which would eventually help expand and modernize its economy and meet major energy requirements. It would also provide the shortest route for Chinese cargo heading for the middle East, Africa and Central Asia, he added.

Meher Kashif Younis mentioned that imports from China had surged and there was an urgent need to enhance exports as well.

He said textiles, rice, cherry, mangoes and other food items can be exported to Beijing, which would be another effective way of increasing foreign reserves.