KARACHI, AUG 29 /DNA/ – he Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), led by President Qazi Zahid Hussain, alongside former President Junaid Makda, expresses serious concerns regarding the newly imposed 2% Infrastructure Development CESS on exports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). This CESS, announced through a public notice on August 22, 2024, by the Director General of KPK, Peshawar, is expected to significantly impact the already fragile trade relations with Afghanistan and now also affect bilateral trade with CIS countries.
The trade community has been enduring substantial challenges, particularly following the implementation of the Temporary Admission Document (TAD), which has severely disrupted the seamless movement of goods across the border. The introduction of this 2% CESS on bilateral trade further adds financial strain on traders and businesses at a time when they are already navigating a highly complex and difficult trade environment.
The timing of this tax is particularly troubling, as it risks exacerbating the economic difficulties faced by traders, potentially slowing down crucial trade activities that are vital to Pakistan’s economy.
PAJCCI President, Qazi Zahid Hussain, urges the Chief Minister of KPK to act swiftly to reconsider and eliminate the CESS, at least during this challenging period. This action is essential to provide relief to the trading community and to ensure the continued viability of trade with Afghanistan and CIS countries.
We call upon the Chief Minister to engage with all relevant stakeholders and reconsider the imposition of the CESS to maintain a conducive environment for trade and economic stability in the region.
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