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Pakistan-Afghanistan Economic Development Act: Duty-Free Trade Zones

This act aims to stimulate economic growth in designated Reconstruction Opportunity Zones in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It allows certain goods from these zones to be imported into the United States without customs duties, intending to improve local livelihoods and foster regional stability. The act also includes provisions for fair labor practices and measures to prevent illegal transshipment.
Key points
Goods from designated Reconstruction Opportunity Zones in Pakistan and Afghanistan can enter the U.S. duty-free, reducing costs and increasing product availability.
Businesses in these zones must adhere to international core labor standards, including prohibitions on forced and child labor, protecting workers' rights.
Control mechanisms are established to prevent illegal transshipment and ensure only eligible products receive duty-free benefits.
The act provides technical assistance to Pakistan and Afghanistan to improve labor conditions and enforcement, potentially leading to better employment terms.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_1481
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Process start date: 2021-04-29
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Pakistan-Afghanistan Economic Development Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_1481.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-04-29.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Goods from designated Reconstruction Opportunity Zones in Pakistan and Afghanistan can enter the U.S. duty-free, reducing costs and increasing product availability.
  • Businesses in these zones must adhere to international core labor standards, including prohibitions on forced and child labor, protecting workers' rights.
  • Control mechanisms are established to prevent illegal transshipment and ensure only eligible products receive duty-free benefits.
  • The act provides technical assistance to Pakistan and Afghanistan to improve labor conditions and enforcement, potentially leading to better employment terms.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

CATEGORIES

Economy Labor Security