ISLAMABAD, Jan 9: Pakistan and Afghanistan are likely to consider a string of measures for increasing the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries.

An official source in the commerce ministry told Dawn on Friday that these measures would be decided in the two-day third Pakistan- Afghan Joint Ministerial Conference (JMC) beginning from January 11.

A high-level official delegation from Pakistan will leave for Kabul on Saturday to participate in the JMC. During the meeting, the official said the progress on $100 million Pakistan assistance to Afghanistan will be reviewed.

The meeting will also discuss the issue of sugar purchase by Afghan government, establishment of Jinnah Kidney Centre, Information Technology bloc in Kabul University and construction of Jalalabad-Torkham road.

The Afghan government has also requested Islamabad for allowing the cargo of Afghan Transit Trade through NLC. They have also asked for more entry and exit points at borders between the two countries.