Bilateral ties: Iran keen on improving trade with Pakistan, says Begi

Iranian consul general in Peshawar vows to increase volume of imports


Our Correspondent February 17, 2016
Iranian consul general in Peshawar vows to increase volume of imports. PHOTO: fb.com/haripur.cci

HARIPUR: Iran is committed to developing strong trade relations with its neighbours as the country is likely to become one of the strongest economies in the region after international sanctions were lifted.

This was said by Iranian Consul General in Peshawar Muhammad Baqir Begi while addressing Haripur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) members Tuesday evening. “After international sanctions were lifted [on January 16], there are copious opportunities to promote ties with other countries,” he said. “Since Pakistan is a Muslim country, Iran would prefer to strengthen cooperation with the country in the spheres of trade, sports
and culture.”

Give and take

According to Begi, the government of Iran is exploring opportunities to increase the volume of imports of food items from Pakistan in future. “On the other hand, petroleum and plastic products from Iran have greater chances of penetrating the market in Pakistan,” he added.

The consul general said his government will send a delegation of traders and businessmen from Pakistan to Iran. “Meanwhile, traders and businessmen from Iran would also be encouraged to visit Pakistan,” he said.

Direct linkages

Begi said Iran also plans to promote sports activities between both countries. “Players [and athletes] will be issued Iranian visas so both countries can benefit from each other,” he added. “We will also start direct flights to Iran from Islamabad to cater to demands from industrialists.”

Lifting of sanctions

International sanctions were lifted on January 16 after a historical nuclear accord between Iran and other major powers entered into force. The United Nations’ nuclear agency declared Tehran had complied with its agreement to scale back on the nuclear programme. Once the accord was implemented, Iran re-entered the global economic sphere.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th,  2016.

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