President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Gholam Hossein Shafei on Friday appreciated the support of the Iranian Parliament for more enhanced ties between Tehran and Islamabad.
Shafei, who is on a visit to Pakistan at the head of a private sector delegation, said that the presence of a number of Iranian lawmakers in the delegation is indicative of the parliament’s support for enhancement of ties with Pakistan.
Shafei made the remarks during a meeting between the Iranian delegation and the members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During the meeting, Iran’s provincial Isfahan Chamber of Commerce and the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed different cooperation documents in different trade areas.
Addressing the meeting, President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Muhammad Tariq Yousuf said he was not happy with the level of economic relations between the two neighboring countries.
Referring to good cooperation between Iran and Pakistan on ceramic and tile industry, Yousuf said that such cooperation can serve as a role model for bilateral cooperation in other areas.
He also said that the trade of vegetables has improved between the two countries within a barter trade mechanism. Yousuf said that although this process is still not satisfactory, it is deemed as a step forward.
The Iran Chamber of Commerce president said in the meantime that Karachi is the economic capital of Pakistan.
Shafei regretted that despite the existence of large potentials on both sides, the level of trade between the two countries are too limited.
He expressed hope that a free trade agreement between Iran and Pakistan will be finalized soon.
Shafei also hailed signing a document for establishing a joint trade council between Tehran and Islamabad which he said is a significant move by both countries.
The Iran Chamber of Commerce president said that the two countries have agreed to form a 10-member committee to make decisions on the execution of a barter trade mechanism.