Iran ready to complete gas pipeline project: ambassador

ISLAMABAD:

Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Hosseini on Tuesday said the Iranian government is ready to complete the Pak-Iran gas pipeline to enhance cooperation in the energy sector.

Iran wants full cooperation with Pakistan in gas and other sources of energy, he said.

“To further strengthen trade cooperation with Pakistan, completion of energy projects, especially the Pak-Iran gas pipeline, remains vital,” he said in an interview to APP. Adding that other initiatives to enhance economic cooperation include progress in the establishment of a border market, finalisation of a free trade agreement and joint cooperation of major ports of both countries.

“Iran and Pakistan are making a joint effort to enhance mutual trade to $5 billion on both sides,” he said.

Highlighting that both countries play a strategic role in the region, he said the North-South and East-West Corridors will not only connect Pakistan to Iran, but will also provide Pakistan with trade and economic integration with Central Asia, Europe, Middle East and Russia.

With no sanctions on Iran’s gas, he said “Our government is prepared to complete the Pak-Iran gas pipeline and to fully cooperate with Pakistan in the field of energy.”

Iran has been supplying electricity to districts in southwestern Balochistan since 1999. It supplied 35MW daily until 2013, after which the quota was increased to 100MW to meet the growing needs of Gwadar. Reiterating the importance of the pipeline he said that its completion will also help fulfil Pakistan’s energy requirements.

With six border markets and new crossing points, the ambassador explained that efforts to increase access and facilitate movement between the countries has already commenced. Adding that the Pishin border market is being inaugurated while work on Gabd, Rimdan and Kohak border markets will start soon.

He added that the Pakistan-Iran-Turkey train link has also been restored, and all three governments have agreed to equip the train route with modern facilities to further encourage economic and trade relations.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2022.

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