PESHAWAR: The traders of Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to strengthen collaboration and jointly work for enhancing bilateral trade between the two neighbouring countries. In this connection, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) here on Thursday. The MoU was signed by SCCI president Fazal Moqeem Khan and PAJCCI president Junaid Ismail Makda. PAJCCI vice president M Pervez Lala and other Afghan traders were also present on the occasion, according to a statement. The representatives of both the trade bodies agreed to build a dependable, pragmatic and advantageous relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both the chambers will work for cordial relations through an increased cooperation among industrialists, businessmen and entrepreneurs of the region. The trade bodies would also work to foster a spirit of better cooperation and coordination between business communities of both the countries in general and their respective members in particular for development of trade and commerce. As per agreement, both the trade bodies will play their facilitating role for encouraging bilateral trade activities, exchange of trade delegations, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions. “We will make joint efforts for establishing effective consultation, cooperation and exchange of information on bilateral trade and relationship. Both the chambers will also appoint permanent staff to serve as focal point for execution of this MoU,” said the agreement. Fazal Moqeem Khan in his welcome address said that trade volume between Pakistan and Afghanistan had the potential of more than $3 billion, but unfortunately it was reduced to less than $1 billion. He said that after imposition of two percent cess, the number of daily clearance of trucks at Torkham drastically dropped from 400 to 500 on daily basis to mere five to 10 vehicles. He said that the Balochistan government also imposed the same cess but withdrew it within a couple of days after realising its negative impact on trade activities.