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LAHORE: Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost said on Friday that lack of trade information was a major reason behind low Pak-Iran trade volumes.
He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Iranian Consul General Muhammad Hossain Bani Assadi and LCCI office-bearers were also present on the occasion.
The ambassador said following Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visit to Pakistan, a new era of cordial relations between the two countries has begun.
Iranian businessmen are keen to enhance relations with their Pakistani counterparts and they should come forward and start joint ventures, he said.
The Iranian ambassador said Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline project could be completed in short span of time.
This project must be completed as energy is necessary for all trade and economic activities, he stressed. He added the Iranian Embassy would extend all possible facilities to Pakistani businessmen interested in doing business with Iran.
LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder said soon after lifting of sanction, a high-powered trade delegation of the chamber visited Iran to explore cooperation in textile, fruit, vegetables and meat sectors.
He said two delegations would also visit Iran in May to further seek trade and investment opportunities. Mr Hyder said Iran had an urgent requirement of Pakistan’s textile products as well as meat.
He said Iranian power companies could provide $ 1.5 billion worth 5,000 megawatt electricity to Pakistan for which the two governments need to negotiate a deal.
He said there was an urgent need for increased road, rail and air links between Pakistan and Iran.
Mr Hyder suggested banking channels between Pakistan and Iran should start immediately to overcome the issue of smuggling faced by both countries.
He further suggested that Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between two countries signed several years ago must be activated. -Dawn
THE PASHTUN TIMES
