Ways to promote Iran-Pakistan trade discussed in Islamabad

The conference was organized by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) at Pakistan's House which was also attended by Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost.

Iranian envoy on the occasion expressed the hope that such meetings would play an important role in strengthening the economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Referring to some problems in the bilateral trade, he said that resumption of banking channel would help in overcoming all the challenges the two countries are facing in enhancing the trade activities.

He added that Pakistan holds an important position in Iran’s foreign policy and the Islamic Republic wants to have strong relations with Pakistan in all fields.

Honardoost noted that both countries are striving hard to boost their bilateral trade ties and the trade between the two countries has witnessed a considerable growth this year as compared to last year.

He emphasized that Iranian embassy in Islamabad and the Iranian consulates in various cities of Pakistan are ready to facilitate traders of Pakistan to promote trade between Iran and Pakistan.

The ambassador said that absence of direct flights between Tehran and Islamabad is one of the major barriers in the trade between the two countries.

He added that soon a direct shipping line will be established between the Karachi port of Pakistan and the southern ports of Iran.

Honardoost underlined the need for expanding cooperation among the regional countries which according to him is the only way for progress and stability in the area.

Pointing to the achievements of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said Iran welcomes the connectivity project and is interested to become part of it.

Pakistani traders and business activists on the occasion said that they are willing to boost trade relations with Iran.

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