ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: Minister for Industries and Production, Liaquat Ali Jatoi has stressed the need for enhancing bilateral trade and maximum participation of Pakistan in re-construction of Afghanistan.

He was talking to a 30-member delegation of Kabul Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Shuja-ud-dawla along with members of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said that Pakistan and Afghanistan have brotherly relations and Pakistan wants to get more share for rehabilitation of the war-torn country. Jatoi said that Pakistan is ready to provide expertise, technical know-how, reconstruction material, machinery, other equipment required by Afghanistan for rehabilitation. Pakistan wants a comprehensive basic infrastructure for industrialization of Afghanistan.

To enhance interaction and further cement the bilateral relations, there should be visits of chambers of both the countries and business delegations, he suggested.

Jatoi also apprised them that the Ministry of Industries and Production has sent an invitation to Afghan Minister for Trade and Industries to visit Pakistan and the on-going Industrial Exhibition at Rawalpindi to see our products for export to Afghanistan. His visit would also play a role in increasing bilateral trade on government-to-government basis, apart from the private sector, he added.

The leader of the delegation Shuja-ud-dawla thanked the Minister and stated that people of Afghanistan are looking towards Pakistan for help and cooperation. He said Afghanistan is purchasing cement and a number of other goods, needed for its rebuilding. He praised the friendly trade and economic policies of the present government and said it would further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.—APP