Mohammad Surkhabi, Deputy Head of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan, stressed the importance of further strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and cultural relations between the two countries, which would benefit both peoples.
Surkhabi extended full cooperation of the Iranian embassy and consulate to the Pakistani private sector for the promotion of investment and trade ties between the two countries, speaking to a delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) headed by Chairman Qurban Ali.
He claimed that the relationship between Pakistan and Iran was of particular importance, and that improved relations between the two countries would help in the creation of stronger trade links, noting that the two countries have larger business markets and geostrategic competitive advantages.
He urged taking advantage of these opportunities to boost trade between Pakistan and Iran, noting that both countries have a brotherly relationship and that Iran is willing to strengthen trade and cultural links by resolving issues that both countries’ businessmen face.
Qurban Ali, speaking at the event, said that Pakistan and Iran were neighboring, Islamic brotherly countries, and that both countries needed to develop close economic ties. He noted that bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Iran was crucial in boosting both countries’ economies.
He said it was the right time for both countries to make progress on trade mechanisms to help their respective business communities, and that Pakistan and Iran should collaborate to create a special mechanism. He argued that bank branches should be opened on both sides to allow business communities to conduct transactions and increase trade.
Once the COVID situation improves, a regular exchange of delegations will take place, which will boost economic trade through B2B meetings and put the two countries closer together, he said, adding that better trade ties between the two countries were in both countries’ best interests.
Qurban Ali said that Pakistan’s business community was prepared to take all necessary measures to facilitate trade and expand bilateral trade. He advocated for the removal of tariff bearers, as well as prioritising issues and increasing trade through air, rail, road, and sea routes.
