From Dawn · Mubarak Zeb Khan · · 1m 50s
Pakistan China sign green channel for agricultural trade
Pakistan and China launch green channel for agricultural products at Sost-Khunjerab border.
In brief
Pakistan and China launch green channel for agricultural products at Sost-Khunjerab border. Pakistan and China signed an agreement to operationalise a green channel for agricultural products at Sost-Khunjerab border to improve trade efficiency. Originally reported by Dawn.
Agreement signed
Pakistan and China signed an agreement to operationalise a green channel for agricultural and allied products at Sost-Khunjerab border.
Customs officials led delegation
Pakistani delegation led by Member Customs (Operations) Syed Shakeel Shah and Chinese delegation led by Li Qinghua, deputy head of Urumqi Customs.
Green channel purpose
The agreement aims to establish priority processing for eligible agricultural products while maintaining risk-based customs controls.
Enhanced information sharing
The arrangement provides for enhanced information sharing and exchange of risk alerts between customs administrations.
Priority for perishables
The agreement envisages priority handling of perishable consignments to minimise delays and ensure timely movement across border.
Pakistani delegation members
Pakistani delegation included chief collector of customs, Peshawar; collector of customs, Gilgit-Baltistan; Department of Plant Protection; NAFSA; Pakistan Single Window; Ministry of Commerce; and commercial counsellor at Pakistan embassy in China.
Expected benefits
Operationalisation of green channel expected to improve agricultural trade efficiency and strengthen customs cooperation between countries.
Khunjerab Pass details
Khunjerab Pass connects Gilgit-Baltistan with China’s Xinjiang region and is the highest paved international border at 15,500 feet above sea level.
Border protocol
Under 1985 border protocol, Khunjerab Pass remains open for travel and trade between April and November.
Winter challenges
In winter, trade and travel are hampered by excessive snowfall at Khunjerab Pass.
Last year's revenue
Last year, Pakistan Customs collected Rs15 billion in revenue on imports from China through Khunjerab Pass, breaking previous record.
Exports last year
Goods worth Rs2.8bn were exported to China and Central Asian countries through Khunjerab border crossing last year.
At a glance
Pakistan and China signed an agreement to operationalise a green channel for agricultural products at Sost-Khunjerab border to improve trade efficiency.
