ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have signed an agreement to operationalize a Green Channel at the Sost-Khunjerab Border for agricultural and related products, aiming to facilitate bilateral trade and speed up cross-border shipments.
The agreement was signed during an online ceremony held at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Headquarters in Islamabad. Customs administrations from both countries participated in the ceremony.
Under the arrangement, both sides will establish a Green Channel for an agreed list of agricultural products. Eligible consignments will receive priority processing and examination, while customs authorities will continue to apply risk-based controls to maintain effective oversight.
Priority Handling for Perishable Goods
The agreement also provides for stronger information sharing and the exchange of risk alerts between the two customs administrations. This cooperation is expected to improve coordination and strengthen cross-border trade management.
Recognising the time-sensitive nature of agricultural shipments, the arrangement includes priority handling for perishable goods. This measure aims to reduce delays and ensure consignments move across the border more efficiently.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the agreement and closing remarks from the heads of both delegations. They reaffirmed their commitment to closer customs cooperation and improved trade facilitation.
Pakistan and China Strengthen Customs Cooperation
The Green Channel is expected to establish a more efficient and coordinated framework for trade in agreed agricultural products. It will also support the timely movement of perishable consignments through the Sost-Khunjerab Border.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Syed Shakeel Shah, Member (C-Ops). It included the Chief Collector of Customs, Peshawar, and the Collector of Customs, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Representatives from the Department of Plant Protection, NAFSA, Pakistan Single Window (PSW), and the Ministry of Commerce also attended. The Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan in China was part of the delegation.
The Chinese delegation was headed by Li Qingua, Deputy Head of Urumqi Customs and Director of Tashkurgan Customs.
The agreement marks another step towards strengthening customs coordination and facilitating agricultural trade between Pakistan and China.
