Iranian Consul General in Peshawar, Hassan Darvishvand has stressed the need to further improve bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Iran by promoting business linkages. Speaking at a meeting of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here on Friday, Iranian envoy said that development of business linkages is must to promote bilateral trade ties between both Islamic countries.
He said for this purpose the business community of both countries should come forward to support and improve the trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Iran. "Iran has given much importance to enhance mutual co-operation in trade and economic sectors with Pakistan", Darvishvand added. In this regard, he said the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to facilitate the business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He asked the KP traders to visit Iran for direct interaction with local businesspersons there. On the occasion, both sides have agreed for exchange of sector-specific business delegations, promotion of mutual trade relations on basis of local manufacturing products, along with development of linkages between business communities.
Earlier, SCCI President Zahidullah Shinwari, while speaking on the occasion said that the current export volume between Pakistan and Iran is around $1 billion, and it can be enhanced up to $10 billion annually, by improving mutual trade linkages. SCCI chief invited the businesspersons of Iran to make investment in various sectors in KP province and assured all possible support and co-operation to them.
Iranian CG agreed with the proposals and recommendations and expressed hope that the trade and economic relations between Iran and Pakistan would be further strengthened with mutual exchanges of business delegations. During the meeting, SCCI Vice President, Mohammad Shafiq and members of executive committee were also present.