Pak-Iran Bi-lateral trade must be enhanced due to huge potential market, stated jointly by Anjum Nisar, President Karachi Chamber & Industry and Masoud Mohammad Zamani, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a meeting held at Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. President KCCI briefed about the strategic role of KCCI towards promotion of trade & business activities at national & international level.
He stated that Pakistani business community in general & Karachi Business Community in particular is very keen in development of bi-lateral trade being Muslim neighbour countries having vast borders, same religious and cultural values. He urged to enhance the trade of rice, fresh citrus fruits and textile products to Iran. He emphasized on need of trade promoting exhibitions and fairs between two countries.
Iran Consul General Masoud Mohammad Zamani expressed that Bi-lateral Trade Potential is not properly utilized and now its time for the needful. He highlighted that present Banking system is an obstacle between bi-lateral trade & to remove the said impediment Iranian Govt. has planned to open a branch of Export Promotion Bank in Karachi and consequently liaising with State Bank of Pakistan & most likely it will be launched in year 2009; in reciprocal branch of National Bank of Pakistan may open in Iran.
He added that memorandum of understanding of different trade delegations of Iran are already signed with Karachi & Lahore Chambers. Joint sessions to enhance the bi-lateral investment opportunities must be carried out. He welcomed Pakistani solo trade promotional exhibitions at Iran. Consulate General will give priority in visa services to Pakistani business community.
President KCCI assured Iran Consul General of his entire support specially for opening the branch of Iranian bank. He appreciated the role of Economic Co-operation Organization (ECO), Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission & Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) for enhancement of bi-lateral trade. Reduction of Customs duty by Iranian Govt. was also appreciated. From KCCI platform he extended full co-operation and assistance specially in Textile sector at large, for skills, technical & human resource development for which Pakistan hold expertise.
He focused that Pakistan is the fifth largest livestock producer having a huge halal food market & there is also a need of Pak-Iran joint ventures for trading of halal food. President KCCI also invited Consul General for participation of Iranian Trade & Industrial sector in the forthcoming annual "My-Karachi Expo 2009".