Pakistan and Iran have agreed to set up quarantine and pre-shipment inspection facilities close to border, official sources told Business Recorder.
The consensus between federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) Sikandar Hayat Bosan and his Iranian counterpart Muhammad Raza Esikandari was developed during the third ECO meeting held in Tehran from March 5-7.
"I have a very productive meeting with the Iranian counterpart who showed keenness in importing meat, rice, potatoes and other agricultural products from Pakistan and strengthening co-operation in shrimp farming," the sources quoted Minfal Minister as saying in its report submitted to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.
The sources said, Iranian Minister also suggested protocol arrangements to harmonise standards between the two countries for reciprocal acceptance of each other's certification.
Iranian Minister was of the view that self-sufficiency in agricultural products is the main objective of his country and for this purpose he sought expertise from Pakistan. Esikandari said that Iran was already importing potatoes from Pakistan and could further consider importing other agriculture products.
Being bordering states, both the countries should establish agricultural links especially between the bordering provinces. Both sides should try to activate the Joint Working Group (JWG) on agriculture of Pak-Iran JEC, the sources quoted Iranian Minister as saying. Bosan, who was leading Pakistani delegation, observed that a huge potential exists between the two countries for import and export of fruit.
"Both countries signed MoUs especially for the export of Mango and Kinnows to Iran. However, both the MoUs have faced technical problems and they need to be rectified soon," he added. He referred to the export of Kinnow to Iran and the problems arising on account of quarantine restrictions and high tariffs.
Bosan suggested that technical people could meet soon and find amicable solution since Pakistan is exporting Kinnows and would soon start exporting Mangoes, the sources continued.
He informed his counterpart that Pakistan is establishing a quarantine system near Taftan to facilitate timely export of perishable items to Iran, suggesting that Iranian inspectors be deputed in Zahidan to expedite the pre-shipment formalities.
He further asked the Iranian counterpart since Tehran is importing meat from Brazil, it must also consider importing this item from Pakistan, besides both countries should consider establishing joint projects.
He informed that Cotton Research Centre in Multan has been upgraded and turned into an OIC Research Centre. ECO and IDB have been asked to arrange funds to raise the level of this centre and Iran must consider utilising expertise available at this centre.The sources said, Iranian ambassador to Pakistan had recently visited Minfal and had useful discussions. He was informed that Pakistan would be glad to co-ordinate export of rice to Iran. However, there is no government body in Pakistan which deals with the export of rice since the private sector is involved in the rice export.
Minfal Minister also held productive discussions with ministers of other ECO member countries, especially with Turkish Minister who indicated his readiness to establish joint ventures in Pakistan for manufacturing sprinkle and drip irrigation machinery and equipment.