Pakistan and China sign green channel deal to speed up border trade
Green channel agreement signed
Pakistan and China have agreed to introduce a green channel for agricultural and related products crossing the Sost-Khunjerab border. The agreement is designed to make trade faster while maintaining customs checks and security measures.
The agreement was signed online by the customs administrations of both countries at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday. Pakistan’s delegation was led by Member Customs (Operations) Syed Shakeel Shah, while China’s team was headed by Li Qinghua, deputy head of Urumqi Customs and director of Tashkurgan Customs.
Faster checks for approved goods
Under the agreement, selected agricultural products will receive priority processing and examination at the border. The system will apply to an agreed list of products, while customs officials will continue using risk-based checks.
The two countries will also share more information and exchange alerts about possible trade risks. This cooperation is expected to help customs authorities coordinate their work and manage cross-border trade more effectively.
Fresh products to receive priority
The new system also aims to give priority to perishable goods that can spoil if they remain at the border for too long. Faster handling could help these products reach their destinations on time and reduce delays for traders.
Pakistan’s delegation included customs officials from Peshawar and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with representatives from the Department of Plant Protection, NAFSA, Pakistan Single Window and the Ministry of Commerce. The commercial counsellor at Pakistan’s embassy in China also took part in the discussions.
Khunjerab route supports bilateral trade
Khunjerab Pass connects Gilgit-Baltistan with China’s Xinjiang region and stands about 15,500 feet above sea level. It is the world’s highest paved international border crossing and generally remains open for travel and trade from April to November under a border protocol signed in 1985.
Heavy snowfall affects travel and trade during winter, making the movement of goods more difficult. The new green channel is expected to improve trade efficiency and strengthen customs cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan Customs collected Rs15 billion in revenue from imports coming through the Khunjerab Pass last year, setting a new record. Exports worth Rs2.8 billion were also sent to China and Central Asian countries through the crossing.
The green channel could help Pakistan and China move agricultural products across their border more quickly. Priority checks for perishable goods may reduce delays and help traders protect products that can spoil.
The results will depend on how effectively both countries apply the new system and coordinate customs checks. Better border management could support trade, but winter weather will remain a major challenge for the route.
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