ISLAMABAD, Feb 10: Pakistan is focusing on the development of infrastructure, provision of road links and better communication facilities from Gwadar to border areas to facilitate trade with Afghanistan , says Dr Salman Shah, adviser to the prime minister on finance and revenue.

"We want to provide preferential, low cost and hassle-free access to Afghanistan through infrastructure development and lot of proposals will be discussed in the JMC in this regard," the adviser stated this while speaking at the inaugural session of the 4th session of Pak-Afghan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) here on Thursday.

"Pakistan attaches high priority for stability and economic development of Afghanistan. We have always been a staunch supporter of the initiative of international community for the reconstruction of Afghanistan." As a result of government's commitment and concerted efforts the trade between the two countries is likely to cross $1 billion in near future, he maintains.

The adviser said that Pakistani investors were keen to invest in the proposed industrial estate in Afghanistan as well as in the border areas of Pakistan.

"Pakistan is well-placed to play a significant role in the export of goods and services to the world community at much competitive rates," he said, adding Pakistan offered most attractive terms in the priority areas of corporate farming, information technology, oil and gas and small and medium enterprises.

"Joint ministerial commissions have always been a source of augmenting bilateral cooperation, fuelling economic activity, cementing economic relationship, resolving problems and exploring new areas of cooperation," he added.

Dr Salman expressed the hope that this JMC would help in reviewing progress on implementation status of already agreed decisions of the previous JMC.

He observed that smuggling had impacted on the smooth flow of trade and called for joint efforts to counter this menace.

Pakistan is a vibrant and growing economy which offers ample opportunities of trade and investment, he says, adding that Afghanistan traders and investors could capitalize on buoyant Pakistan economy.

"Our bilateral cooperation will provide ample space to our traders and investors to perform even better in a fast changing and competitive international environment," the adviser assured the Afghan delegation.

Afghan Finance Minister Dr Anwar ul Haq Ahadi in his opening remarks said existing mutual brotherly relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan would flourish with the passage of time.

He welcomed Pakistan's offer of $100 million assistance, including $10 million cash for Afghanistan. Dr Anwar said: "We have identified a number of projects, including Torkhum, Jalalabad road and transit trade, to expand cooperation between the two countries."-APP