INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
and hinted to extend cooperation in other fields of mutual interest.In an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Hosseini
said Iran welcomes strengthen of mutual trade cooperation with Pakistan, adding that the country is willing for the completion of energy
finalization of a free trade agreement, and collaboration on major ports and security areas, APP reported.He added that there were no
sanctions on the export of gas from Iran, and Pakistan could take full benefit of it to fulfill its energy needs
The IP gas pipeline is a key project in that regard and both countries realize its importance.The gas pipeline project is being deliberated
by a technical committee, he said, adding its completion would also open new avenues for mutual cooperation between the two countries.The
ambassador said Iran was already exporting 100 megawatts of electricity to Pakistan for meeting the power needs (of its bordering areas) and
the figure could be increased in the future.He added that work was also going on another project to provide electricity to Pakistan
Both countries have taken initial steps in that regard.Ambassador Hosseini identified opportunities for investors of both countries in
various trade sectors, particularly the industrial zones.Highlighting the role of the two countries in regional economic and trade
economic integration with Central Asia, Europe, West Asia, and Russia.He noted that the two countries were making joint efforts to achieve
the target of enhancing their mutual trade to $5 billion.Both Pakistan and Iran are geographically very important countries and their mutual
cooperation is of utmost importance to make it useful for their geo-economic interests, he further noted.The ambassador said the two
countries could find ways for mutual economic partnership and trade
There is the possibility of opening a banking channel in the near future, he added.He said barter trade between the two countries could be
crossing points had been opened
The two countries are committed to providing more facilities at the crossing points to not only facilitate the movement of people but also
transit trade.He said it was decided in principle to set up six border markets in order to promote mutual trade relations.The Pishin border
market has been completed and its inauguration is on the agenda, the official said, adding that the work on Gabd, Rimdan, and Kohak markets
would start soon.About the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the ambassador said several rounds of negotiations have taken place between the two
Mutual trade lists have been exchanged, with consensus developed on trade items, he added.He recalled that the two countries signed a
Preferential Trade Agreement in March 2004, which, he said, required to be reviewed and made more effective.The envoy stressed the need for
promotion of regional trade, the ambassador said the Pakistan-Iran-Turkey train link has been restored, which would not only promote
economic and trade relations among the three countries but also increase regional economic and trade integration.The three governments have
agreed to equip the train route with facilities, which would promote mutual trade and goods trade operation, he added.He said the
Taftan-Quetta train section needed to be repaired, and Iran and Pakistan have reached a consensus to do that.He said the train route among
Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey could play a very important role in regional trade integration as it could connect Central Asia, West Asia, and
Europe economically and commercially.He said Iranians had expertise in train and wagon production, and transportation, which is very
important for transit trade.To a question, the Iranian ambassador said direct air connectivity between Tehran and Islamabad, and other big
cities of the two countries was very important for the promotion of mutual relations.He said there was a lot of potential in religious
tourism in both countries.The ambassador said for the promotion of e-commerce trade between the two countries, the young population should
be involved.Similarly, he said, cooperation between the chambers and business communities of the two countries would promote cordial
relations on both sides.EF/
