Iran’s Exports to Pakistan Rise by 11.5%

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s Commercial Attaché to Islamabad Ahmad Fasihi stated that during the past six months his country’s exports increased by 11.5 per cent and reached $129 million whereas Pakistan’s export to Iran increased by 69% and amounted to $118 million compared to the same period last year.

Addressing a meeting with the members of Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the envoy said that with the assistance and cooperation of respected economical, commercial and political officials of the two countries, Tehran and Islamabad would further develop bilateral ties as much as possible.

He also said that both countries are completely rich in the potential strength of trade, however, the transaction despite common religion, long neighborly borders and as brotherly nations are not satisfactory.

In order to strengthen the traditional, commercial, industrial and reciprocal relationship between Iran and Pakistan to maintain the spirit of regional friendship, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Chamber of Commerce of the Iranian city of Isfahan and KCCI on 31st October, 2008 by Isfahan’s Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Jafar Zarre’ Bini and KCCI President Anjum Nisar.

Zarre’ Bini added that Iran wishes to enhance trade volume with Pakistan.

He said as brotherly countries both nations should vigorously go ahead for developing trade and business in the ongoing global economic crisis, and stressed the need for an active role by the two countries’ private sector to help the governments promote bilateral trade and business.

Zarre’ Bini also voiced the Iranian side’s enthusiasm for signing a joint protocol to enhance trade and business ties and cooperation between Iran and Pakistan.

Anjum Nisar briefed the delegates about the composition and role of KCCI towards promotion of business and trade activities locally and globally.

He highlighted the ample opportunities of bilateral trade and business in the areas of development of infrastructure, engineering sector, transfer of technology, export of Pakistani fruits, vegetables and rice to Iran.

He also stressed the necessity for the acceleration of trade and business activities by both countries in the fields of exchange of professional services, broad based business promotion through chamber to chamber contacts which would further strengthen bilateral trade and business relations between the two countries.

Nisar further said that they are in the process of helping SMEs to develop and extend close cooperation to Iran to develop this sector.