ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Pakistan and China have signed a formal agreement to operationalize a Green Channel at the Sost-Khunjerab Border to streamline the trade of agricultural and allied products. The online ceremony, held on 29 October 2026 at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) headquarters, marks a significant development in enhancing bilateral trade efficiency between the two nations.

Key Points

• The agreement establishes a Green Channel for priority processing of agreed-upon agricultural and allied products.
• Customs administrations will implement risk-based controls to maintain oversight while accelerating the movement of goods.
• The arrangement includes enhanced information sharing and risk alerts between Pakistani and Chinese customs authorities.
• Priority handling is mandated for perishable consignments to reduce transit delays at the Sost-Khunjerab border crossing.

Facilitating Cross-Border Agricultural Trade

The Pakistani delegation was led by Mr. Syed Shakeel Shah, Member (C-Ops) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and included key representatives from the Collector of Customs, Gilgit-Baltistan, the Department of Plant Protection, NAFSA, the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), and the Ministry of Commerce. The Chinese side was represented by Ms. Li Qingua, Deputy Head of Urumqi Customs and Director of Tashkurgan Customs.

This initiative is designed to create a more efficient framework for the cross-border movement of time-sensitive goods. By establishing the Green Channel, both customs administrations aim to minimize bureaucratic hurdles while maintaining strict regulatory compliance through coordinated risk management strategies. The collaboration is expected to significantly bolster economic ties and agricultural export potential through the strategic Sost-Khunjerab transit route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new Green Channel agreement?

The agreement aims to facilitate trade in agricultural and allied products between Pakistan and China by providing priority processing and expedited clearance at the Sost-Khunjerab Border.

How will the Green Channel handle perishable goods?

To address the time-sensitive nature of agricultural products, the arrangement mandates priority handling for perishable consignments to minimize delays during the cross-border transit process.