Hashmi urged the Pakistan’s government to take a decision on the Pak-Iran gas pipeline without considering foreign pressure. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE: Iranian Governor for Sistan and Baluchestan Ali Osat Hashmi has said that external pressures are adversely affecting Pakistan-Iran bilateral trade, adding that the private sector should come forth and play its role.
While speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Hashmi urged the Pakistan’s government to take a decision on the Pak-Iran gas pipeline without considering any foreign pressure as Iran had already completed the pipeline on its side of the border.
“Pakistan, Turkey and China could constitute an economic bloc to cater to the world needs as these three countries have huge potential,” said the Iranian governor. “During the meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, they showed strong will to take all possible measures for the promotion of bilateral trade.”
He said that he had also requested the premier to send representatives of the State Bank of Pakistan to meet with Iranian Banking channels so that the issue of currency transaction between the two countries could be resolved.
The governor said that Iran could help Pakistan overcome the energy shortage within a year and a half, if collaboration in this regard is sought. He also called for the strengthening of rail linkages between the two countries.
Hashmi said that the private sector in Pakistan should play an instrumental role as both sides have huge business potential. He invited Pakistani businessmen to visit Sistan-Baluchestan to gain first-hand knowledge about the available opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI Acting President Kashif Anwar said that bilateral trade between the two countries was following negative trend which should be turned around.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2014.
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Hate to tell you this, but the externalities are immense, like USA, Saudi Arabia, Qatar will do whatever it takes to prevent any trade to be done between Iran and Pakistan, these countries will do it via any means necessary and they can as well as some sections of Turkey in power. The rich and powerful don't want others to have money.