Iranian Consul General Reza Nazeri has said that Iran wants stronger trade and economic ties with Pakistan therefore barter trade should be encouraged as it would be equally beneficial for the both countries. He stated this while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday.
He said that Pakistan and Iran have common borders and cultural bonds. Iran has always tried to strengthen the bilateral relations with its neighbouring countries and Pakistan is its first preference in this regard.
Reza Nazeri said that Iranian Consulate will extend full support to the trade delegations. Iran will also arrange an exhibition of Iranian products in Punjab province, he said.
He said oil, chemical, gas and other sectors of economy should be focused for mutual trade. He said that Pakistan has a distinguished status in milk production. Experience of Iran in dairy sector can be beneficial for Pakistan. Iran has great potential in the field of construction and can cooperate with Pakistan in this field, he said adding that both countries should join hands for promotion of tourism sector as Iran and Pakistan have immense potential in this sector.
While answering to a query, Iranian consul general said that absence of banking channel is a real issue. He said that last year Iran signed an agreement with previous Pakistani government in this regard.
He said that he will contact the present government to re-activate this agreement. He said Allama Iqbal is a spiritual asset of both Pakistan and Iran. He said through Iqbal's poetry one can be familiar with Iran without direct travel. He appreciated the role of LCCI for promoting the trade and economy of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Almas Hyder appreciated the efforts of Iranian consul general for initiating frequent direct flights between Pakistan and Iran and said that Iranian Consulate is facilitating LCCI members through honouring recommendations for granting business visas to them.
He said that both the countries have large domestic markets and unique geo-strategic competitive advantage. Almas Hyder informed the Iranian consul general that he led a businessmen delegation to Iran in February 2016 and found a lot of potential for Pakistani products in Iran. By establishing banking channels between two countries, business communities can be facilitated.