No improvement in Pak-Iran barter trade

Iranian Consul General (CG) Mehran Movahedfar has voiced concern that despite cooperation in barter trade between the governments of Iran and Pakistan, no improvement has been made.

“Difficulties are created in operations by the State Bank of Pakistan. Similar problems are faced by the companies exporting rice from Pakistan, due to which many enterprises have refused to continue cooperation,” he said in a meeting with businessmen at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The consul general revealed that Iran had banned Indian rice imports that provided a golden opportunity for Pakistani rice exporters. “From Pakistan, we can import rice and meat and in return supply liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and raw material,” he emphasised.

The envoy pointed out that tariffs had been imposed by Pakistan on many Iranian export products including cement, fruits and tiles, due to which unofficial trade was thriving. Consequently, Pakistan’s government is suffering losses in the form of reduction in tax and duty collection.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2023.

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