The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a great economic development and Iran wants to be part of it, said Iranian Consul General Mohammad Hossein Bani Assadi while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday. LCCI President, Abdul Basit, Senior Vice President Amjad Ali Jawa and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan also spoke on the occasion.
The Iranian Consul General, who is heading a three-member delegation of the Iranian Construction Group, said that first Iranian branch would be opened in Karachi soon as the State Bank of Pakistan and Central Bank of Iran had finalised all modalities in that regard.
While congratulating the LCCI new body, he said the Lahore Chamber was a think tank that was doing a lot to promote regional trade. Iran and Pakistan should take measures to enhance mutual trade volume as both the countries had the potential to do trade of billions dollars, he said. He said Iran was ready to fulfil the growing energy needs of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Abdul Basit said that collaboration between the Pakistani and the Iranian businessmen in the ongoing projects of CPEC could go a long way. He welcomed the statement of Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Honardoust saying that Iran is interested to join CPEC and invest in Pakistan infrastructure and energy sectors.
He said many projects under the CPEC were under way, adding "If Iran instantly collaborates with Pakistan, then there are greater chances that they would obtain reasonable share." He said both the sides needed to conduct market research to further strengthen trade relations, adding priority should be given to each other for import of goods rather than buying from distant countries.
He also stressed the need for more collaboration in SMEs and mega projects like onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration activities, hydel and coal-based energy projects, paper and board, sugar, cement, chemicals, transport and communication, construction of roads in Pakistan, scientific and educational cooperation, handicrafts, artificial jewellery, carpets and fancy furniture.