Pakistan to bolster trade ties with Iran

President, PM hold meetings with Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Ghasemi.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated the commitment of the government to further bolster Pak- Iran bilateral trade by vigorously pursuing mega projects in all areas particularly energy, trade and economic fields, during his meeting with an Iranian delegation on Wednesday.

The delegation was led by Rostam Ghasemi, Iran’s Oil Minister, who met with the President at the President House – the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The Presidential Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said that Zardari, in the meeting, highlighted Pakistan’s energy needs and the steps taken to meet them. He called for greater connectivity between both nations and stressed the need to move forward on the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Container Train project.

He said that regular operation of the ECO train will lend impetus to cargo and transit facilities between Pakistan and Iran. The president said that Pakistan will welcome technical and financial support of Iran for upgrading the Quetta-Taftan railway track.

Zardari also called for improved visa facilitation, opening of the new border posts and removing tariff and non-tariff barriers for stepping up trade and commerce. He also called for early finalisation of the agreement to export wheat to Iran.

Earlier, the Iranian oil minister had also held a meeting with the Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2013.

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