LAHORE: Acting Consul General of Iran Mohammad Reza Rabiei has said that the existing trade volume does not match the potential of Pakistan and Iran, as the private sectors of both countries are not well aware of each other’s abilities.

He expressed these views during a meeting during his visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here on Thursday. He met LCCI President Kashif Anwar and Vice President Adnan Khalid Butt. On this occasion, the Acting Consul General of Iran invited the LCCI members to attend the 6th Export Potential Expo 2024 in Iran.

The Iranian Consul General said that the purpose of the exhibitions is to inform the businessmen of both countries about trade and investment opportunities. “The Expo 2024 is Iran's biggest exhibition. Last year, 1,300 people from 70 countries participated in this expo, in which contracts worth more than US $2 billion were done,” he added.

He hoped that this time more people from Pakistan would participate in this expo. He averred that companies from six sectors, including agriculture, food, building, pharma and petrochemical industry, are participating in this expo. “Apart from B2B, industrial unit visits will also be arranged. There have been single-country exhibitions between Pakistan and Iran before which should be held again. All facilities will be provided to the LCCI,” he added.

While speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President said that the Iranian Consul General visited LCCI to extend information about the expo, which is commendable. “I am grateful to the Iranian Consulate for extending prior invitations to participate in every exhibition held in Iran. We want a maximum number of LCCI members to visit Iran and benefit from the technology. Information on the expo will be forwarded to the LCCI members so that they can attend the exhibition,” he added.

Kashif Anwar stressed the need for the promotion of official trade volume between the two countries, adding that measures should be taken to promote trade with the neighbouring countries as well as between the Muslim countries. “Despite the sanctions, Iran has made a lot of progress in the last few decades,” he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023