Iran agrees to consider being part of CPEC

This will help strengthen border markets, upgrade roads and railways


Peer Muhammad September 02, 2015
Pakistan proposed concessionary fares between Zahedan and Quetta by the time freight traffic picks up pace. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to consider linking the latter with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in an effort to strengthen border markets and upgrade road and railway networks.

“Pakistan has invited Iran to become part of the CPEC and help strengthen border markets, upgrade railways, build warehouses and open/upgrade border crossing points,” said a senior officer in the Ministry of Commerce while talking to The Express Tribune.

During a meeting of the Pak-Iran Joint Working Group and Technical Committee on Trade, in the last week of August, the two sides discussed trade and investment-related issues and how to frame a five-year strategic plan to enhance bilateral trade.

Read: Iran not against CPEC, Gwadar port: Javad Zarif

They met in the backdrop of possible lifting of sanctions from Iran by the international community.

They agreed on the need of implementing the bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), including promotion of transparency and establishment of a mechanism that issues prior notification.

Expected freight train operations also came up for review and the Iranian side was reminded that in the Zaheden meeting in May this year, Pakistan had stressed the need for beginning the services on a regular basis.

In the subsequent meeting on August 19 and 20, both sides agreed to offer freight train services on the 1st and 15th of each month, subject to availability of cargo.

Pakistan proposed concessionary fares between Zahedan and Quetta by the time freight traffic picks up pace.

It was suggested that representatives from the respective ministries, responsible for agricultural matters, should participate in meetings of the Joint Working Group on Trade to facilitate decision-making regarding trade in agro-products.

“The Iranian delegation will convey all proposals and suggestions to the authorities concerned in their country and inform about the decisions later,” said the official in the Ministry of Commerce.

Read: Iran's strategic port offer to help India bypass Pakistan

He added Iran was also interested in linking itself with the CPEC to expand its border markets with regional countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd,  2015.

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COMMENTS (30)

Julian | 9 years ago | Reply @someone. Man you really need to get your figures right. Indian economy primarily (am emphasising word primarily) depends on i) IT and call centres (that again rely on other economies in US and couple other countries), ii) film industry, iii) a bunch of cricketers and iv) huge population working abroad and bringing in foreign exchange (majority maids). Yes it also exports agricultural produce but that's something many others are doing. Honestly, comparing India with China is nothing but a wishful desire of Indians. Even major world economies are dependent on China direcly as well as on Chinese investors indirectly.
someone | 9 years ago | Reply @Pakistani Sindhi: LOL. Why do you think they are interested in Pakistan? India is the only country that can challenge Chinese dominance of industrial production. India is already ahead from China in service industry and if India takes over China in assembly and manufacturing too, China would not be as dominant as it is seen today.
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