Opening of Pak-Iran free economic zone ‘soon’

Consul general expresses Iran’s desire to sell fuel to Pakistan on low rates

QUETTA: Iranian Consul General Muhammad Rafiei has announced inauguration of Pakistan-Iran free economic zone at Mir Jawa in the coming days and expressed Iran’s willingness to sell fuel to Pakistan on low rates.
The development came during a meeting of Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan with the Iranian consul general at the CM Secretariat on Monday.



Kamal and Rafiei agreed that boosting trade between the two countries would directly benefit ordinary citizens. Increasing Pakistan and Iran trade up to $5 billion remained the focal point of the meeting.
They stressed upon trade through Pakistan-Iran border points and economic zones to foster bilateral economic relations.
Discussions were also held about implementation of decisions taken during the Pakistan-Iran joint border commission and the joint border trade commission.

“Today, relations between the two countries depends a lot upon trade and economic relations with neighbouring countries can only be strengthened by boosting trade activities,” said Kamal, adding that unrest in the region had a negative impact on economic stability in Pakistan as well as in Iran.

“The federal and provincial governments have been taking measures to enhance trade with Iran,” said Kamal, adding that the government had been making effective strides in curbing drug smuggling and bringing peace to the border areas.



“The tax-free border markets in Pakistan and Iran will boost economic ties between the two countries,” said Kamal, informing the consul general regarding security measures taken for pilgrims travelling from Balochistan to Iran.

“Both nations have social, political and cultural relations for decades; therefore, the Iranian government has always given importance to its relations with Pakistan,” said Rafiei, terming Balochistan an important bridge between Pakistan and Iran.

During the one-to-one meeting, the Iranian consul general invited CM Kamal to visit Iran’s Sistian-Baluchestan province.