The 8th Pak-Afghan Joint Economic Commission held a two days session on January 17, 2012 in Islamabad where issues related to transit trade, bilateral trade, reconstruction projects and economic cooperation were discussed in three committees of (i) Commerce, Trade and Investment, (ii) Reconstruction initiatives and (iii) deepening Economic Cooperation. The meeting was cochaired by the Finance Ministers of both countries.   In Commerce, Trade and Investment committee, the Afghan delegation raised difficulties in implementation of certain provisions of the Afghan Pakistan Transit Trade (APTTA) agreement.  The Afghan delegation requested Pakistan to clear the 700 containers that have been stuck up in Pakistani ports. Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister of Finance of Pakistan said that within 7-10 days the issues related to stoppage of 700 containers will be resolved. On bilateral trade, the meeting decided that both countries may enter into a bilateral trade agreement for realizing the trade potential.   In the Technical Committee on Reconstruction initiatives in Afghanistan, the delegation discussed in detail the current status of various projects initiated under US $300 million grant pledged by the Government of Pakistan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan.  Both parties agreed to constitute a joint team to monitor and evaluate the completed and ongoing projects.  Pakistan committed to complete the construction work of TorkhamJalalabad Carriageway within a period of one year.  Pakistan also agreed that the 2000 scholarship scheme may be completed by 2014.   In Regional Economic Cooperation committee, Pakistan agreed to offer trainings in the area of postal services, and media. The meeting further reiterated for cooperation in successful implementation of CASA 1000 and TAPI Gas Pipeline projects.   Referring to the 8 PAK Afghan Joint Economic Commission Meeting, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Minister of  Finance said, “ This meeting acted as a forum to resolve some of the irritancies in the area of Afghan transit trade through Pakistan. I am convinced that our transit difficulties will be attended to by Pakistan’s leadership on an urgent basis . ”  In the sideline of the meeting, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Minister of Finance had bilateral meetings with the Pakistan’s  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Commerce, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Resources and Minister for Power and Water. During these meetings matters of mutual interest related to bilateral regional and international issues were discussed.