Pakistan has numerous capacities for promoting trade ties with Iran: Envoy

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Asif Ali Khan Durrani said on Tuesday that there numerous capacities for boosting commercial and economic relations between Iran and Pakistan, AVA Diplomatic reports.

The envoy that is currently in Islamabad made the remarks in a meeting with members of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

He said that besides numerous cultural, historical, lingual and religious commonalities, Iran and Pakistan boast of greater opportunities for bolstering commercial and economic ties.

Pakistan faces an intense shortage of energy while the neighborly state of Iran enjoys rich sources of energy, gas and electricity and can supply energy needs of Pakistan, he said.

According to him, Pakistani merchants have greater chances for trade in Iran which has many areas for investment including information technology, petrochemical industry and pharmaceuticals plants.

Iran can serve as a good market for export of certain Pakistani quality goods, Durrani said.

He expressed concern about lack of regulating banking ties as major obstacle in the way of Iran-Pakistan trade, saying, ‘We are aware of banking problems and are trying to solve them.’

The ambassador also complained about lack of direct flight between Tehran and Islamabad.