Iran trucks movement not allowed in Pakistan: envoy Amiri

LAHORE: Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Dr Raza Amiri Moghaddam said Thursday there are great opportunities for bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran.

The Iranian ambassador said it was decided in the meeting of the late Iranian president with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that a trade delegation, comprising of all sectors, will visit Iran. The Iranian envoy expressed these views in a meeting at Lahore Regional Office of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce (FPCCI).

Dr Reza Amiri said Iran has allowed free movement of Pakistani trucks. But Pakistan, he said, has not yet given permission to Iranian trucks. He suggested Chabahar Port should be visited for investment.

Participating in the meeting through zoom link, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu said it has been decided that the border of two countries will remain open 24 hours to achieve the trade target of $10 billion. He said the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is being negotiated, and the Ministry of Commerce and FBR should be contacted in this regard. The Pakistan ambassador requested the Iranian envoy to reduce trade duties on various items.

Regional Chairman and Vice President FPCCI Zaki Ejaz said, “We have to work together to achieve the trade target of $10 billion. A trade group should be established, comprising businessmen of both the countries, to identify potential areas of trade and make collective recommendations.” Zaki Ejaz emphasized the need for barter trade mechanism.

During the meeting, exchange of trade and cultural delegations, direct flights between the two countries, holding business-to-business meetings, promotion of culture and student exchange programmes and monitoring performance of trade group delegations were also emphasized for the promotion of trade relations. During the meeting, FPCCI Vice President Zaki Ejaz expressed deep sorrow over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a copter crash.