Lots of trade avenues lost, says Iran envoy

Sees terrorism as common concern for both sides

KARACHI: Terrorism, which is often an off-shoot of poverty and illiteracy, is a common concern for Pakistan and Iran, hence, both countries should work collectively to deal with the issue, Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoost said.

Speaking during a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he said without cooperation impediments could not be removed.



Commenting on trade ties, Honardoost said private sectors of the two countries were not active and a lot of time and opportunities were lost.

“As a result, trade and banking transactions between Pakistan and Iran are the lowest, which you will not find even in our neighbouring countries,” the ambassador said, adding lack of trade information was one of the key reasons for the low trade volume.

He said Iranian businessmen were keen to enhance business with their Pakistani counterparts and urged the Pakistani business community to start joint ventures with them.

“We have no reservations, no limitations, no concerns and are looking forward to have full-fledged cooperation with Pakistan in terms of trade.”

He also spoke about Iran’s willingness to extend cooperation to the businessmen and industrialists interested in enhancing trade by facilitating contacts and interaction with their Iranian counterparts.



KCCI President Younus Muhammad Bashir said economic relations between Pakistan and Iran had improved significantly giving way to further enhancement of bilateral trade.

Pakistan exported goods worth $31.45 million in fiscal year 2015, while its imports stood at $0.27 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2016.

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