A Pak-Iran investment company would shortly be established with a capital of 25 million dollars. This was informed by Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi, Syed Musa Hosseini during a meeting with members of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry during his visit to the Association's office here, says Kati statement on Wednesday.
Kati Chairman, Gulzar Firoz on this occasion said Iran had a total area of 1.6 million square kilometers having a population of around 68 million. The per capita GDP of around 7,000 dollars with a GDP growth of 6 percent is remarkable. The total import trade volume was around 40.969 billion dollars and exports 60.102 billion dollars.
Gulzar further said it has been observed that for the last five years or so, Iran had emerged as a strong economy. He said the friendly business ties between the two countries were strengthening with the passage of time. The Kati chief pointed out that there was a long list of goods, which are presently being imported from Iran.
This in particular includes petroleum, oil from bituminous, dry fruits, chemicals, chickpeas, dried shelled and wet blue leather. Major items, which are exported from Pakistan to Iran, include rice, cotton products and leather goods, etc.
Gulzar said the latest statistics of trade between Iran and Pakistan available with Kati show a rapid growth both in exports and imports between the two countries. There is need to improve trade between the two countries and for that both the countries at all levels should work in close harmony, he added.
In order to improve the trade, Gulzar suggested frequent exchanges of business delegations between the two countries, increase in trade fairs and exhibitions.
He said the visa for multiple entries to Iran should also be given to genuine businessmen on the recommendation of Kati so that the members of Kati might travel to Iran with ease.
The Consul General of Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi emphasised the need to improve trade relations between the two countries. He said efforts by both the sides had been initiated and four agreements were signed in 2005 between Pakistan and Iran to boost bilateral economic relations and it was agreed to set up a mechanism to ensure the trade of two countries to $1 billion.
Musa also stated that he would honour the recommendations of Kati for issuance of visa to businessmen. Commercial Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Manochehar Razai, also expressed his views on the occasion. In the end a Kati crest was presented to the Consul General of Iran.