Envoy stresses need for cementing economic ties between Iran & Pakistan

Consul General of Iran in Lahore Muhammad Hussain Bani Asadi has called upon the business community, especially rice exporters, to play their role in further strengthening the bilateral economic relations between Iran and Pakistan. Speaking at a reception hosted in his honour by Shahzad Ali Malik, chairman founder group of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) here, the outgoing Iranian Consul General was of the view that there should be enhanced economic relations and people-to-people contact between both the Islamic countries.
Praising the quality of Pakistani rice, he regretted that it had a very small presence in Iranian market, a big importer of Basmati rice. "They are importing rice from India and the Pakistanis in order to make its presence felt should promote their rice through visits, exhibitions and different other methods. Good brands are needed to promote among the Iranian house-wives who like to cook rice and the good quality Pakistani rice can easily win their favour," Bani Asadi added.
He also called for more trade between the countries of this region. He quoted example of the European Union and believed that they made it one country having one currency. The motive of forming this block was pure economic. He was of the view that businessmen of Pakistan and other countries could play a positive role in fostering unity among the countries of this region.
REAP members including Shahzad Ali Malik, Vice Chairman Shahjahan Malik, Pir Nazim Hussain Shah, former chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Shafique, former vice chairman Samee Ullah Naeem, Secretary General Kashif-ur-Rehman and FPCCI Vice Chairman Manzoor Malik praised the services rendered by the outgoing Iranian Consul General for promotion of trade and business between the two countries. They said they always found Bani Asadi standing in their support whenever they felt any hardship in doing business with their counterparts in Iran. They hoped though Asadi was leaving he would continue supporting Pakistani businessmen in future as well.