May 2, 2003	Friday	Safar 29, 1424

ISLAMABAD, May 1: The import value of Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) has increased by more than 56 per cent during July- March period of the current financial year over the corresponding period of last year.

Official figures released by Central Board of Revenue (CBR) and made available to Dawn show that the import value of ATT during the first nine months of current financial year stood at Rs11.602 billion against Rs7.429 billion during the same period of last year, showing an increase of Rs4.173 billion.

The value of ATT rose by 30 per cent during the period under review this year in comparison with the same period of 2000-01 when import value of ATT stood at Rs8.903 billion.

Official sources said that the exclusion of eight items from the negative list of 24 items would result into massive imports under ATT in coming months.

The reduction in freight of cargo charges by the railways would further result into an increase in the volume of imports under ATT, added the officials.