Gas pipeline in final stages on Iran’s side

Ball is in Pakistan’s court now, says Iranian official.

RAWALPINDI: Tehran has stepped up work on the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project and construction is in final stages on Iran’s side, said Iranian commercial attache H Bigdeli.

He stated this while talking to Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Ali Raza Saeed Shah during a visit to the chamber on Friday.

Bigdeli said Tehran was fully aware of the problems being faced by Pakistan’s industry, adding it was eager to enhance trade relations with Pakistan to promote regional trade.

Owing to an increase in petroleum product and electricity prices, the gas pipeline has become a key project, he said.

Bigdeli said Iran was moving at a fast pace to complete the project. “Now the ball is in Pakistan’s court and it depends on them how long they take to complete work on the project.”

Shah said that with the efforts of the business community of the two sides, trade volume has increased 77 per cent in the current fiscal year.

He said the businessmen community of Pakistan should take part in Iranian trade fairs and Iranian businessmen should also visit Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2010.