December 29, 2002	Sunday	Shawwal 24, 1423

ISLAMABAD, Dec 28: The import value of Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) surged by more than 148 per cent during the July-November period of the current financial year over the corresponding period of last year.

Official figures released by the Central Board of Revenue here on Saturday showed the import value of ATT during the first five months of the current financial year stood at Rs8.448 billion against Rs3.398 billion during the same period last year, showing an increase of 148.6 per cent.

During the July-October period of current financial year the import value of ATT rose by 117 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

On monthly basis, the import value of ATT stood at Rs1284 million in November 2002 against Rs0.367 million during the same month last year, showing an increase of Rs1283.633 million.

The Afghan government has further demanded the exclusion of all 24 items from the negative list of ATT, which in case were allowed would result in increase of volume of import under ATT in preceding months.

Currently, major items transit trade were sugar, plastic goods, blankets, heaters, padlocks, battery cells, pencils, lighters, etc.