Reiterating their vows: Pakistan, Iran discuss bilateral trade

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Friday vowed to take concerted and concrete steps to bolster bilateral trade and take it to new heights while vigorously pursuing mega projects in all areas, particularly energy trade, for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Spokesperson for the president Senator Farhatullah Babar said that during a meeting with the Iranian president, President Zardari proposed preferential tariffs and free trade arrangements with Iran, coupled with the removal of all barriers to trade between the two countries, which he believes will enhance bilateral trade and investment. He said Pakistan has entered into currency swap agreements with a number of countries, and emphasised the need for a similar arrangement between Pakistan and Iran. The two leaders also discussed bilateral energy projects including the Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline, the 1,000 megawatt Taftan-Quetta power transmission line and the Gwadar power supply project.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2012.