ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Pakistan and China have signed a formal agreement to operationalize a Green Channel at the Sost-Khunjerab Border to facilitate the efficient transit of agricultural and allied products. The landmark deal, finalized during an online ceremony at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) headquarters on 29 October 2026, marks a strategic expansion in bilateral trade relations.

Key Points

• Pakistan and China signed an agreement to operationalize a Green Channel for agricultural trade at the Sost-Khunjerab border.
• The arrangement prioritizes the processing and examination of eligible agricultural consignments to reduce clearance times.
• Customs administrations will enhance the exchange of information and risk alerts to ensure effective cross-border oversight.
• Special provisions are included to expedite the handling of perishable goods to prevent spoilage and delays.

Facilitating Bilateral Agricultural Trade

The Pakistani delegation was led by Mr. Syed Shakeel Shah, Member (C-Ops), and included senior officials from the Office of the Chief Collector of Customs Peshawar, the Collector of Customs Gilgit-Baltistan, the Department of Plant Protection, the National Food Security and Research (NAFSA), Pakistan Single Window (PSW), the Ministry of Commerce, and the Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Pakistan in China. The Chinese delegation was represented by Ms. Li Qingua, Deputy Head of Urumqi Customs and Director of Tashkurgan Customs.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between nations, similar to recent high-level diplomatic engagements such as when the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed economic cooperation with the Saudi Ambassador. By establishing a dedicated Green Channel, both nations aim to streamline customs procedures through priority processing and rigorous, risk-based controls.

Ensuring Efficient Cross-Border Operations

The agreement emphasizes the necessity of efficient movement for time-sensitive commodities. By implementing a framework for priority handling, the customs authorities seek to minimize the transit times for perishable agricultural goods moving between the two countries. This development is expected to significantly enhance the logistics efficiency at the high-altitude Sost-Khunjerab border crossing.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued customs cooperation during the concluding remarks of the ceremony. The successful operationalization of this facility is anticipated to bolster the regional connectivity and economic security, ensuring that trade infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of modern agricultural commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new Green Channel?

The Green Channel aims to establish an efficient framework for trade in agricultural products by providing priority processing, examination, and handling of time-sensitive and perishable consignments.

Which border will this agreement cover?

The agreement is specifically designed to operationalize the Green Channel at the Sost-Khunjerab border crossing between Pakistan and China.