PAGE Blog Business Weekly Magazine
Ali Awsat Hashmi, Governor-General of Sistan-Baluchistan province Iran has underscored the need to take practical steps in order to effectively stop cross-border smuggling and promote enhanced trade between Pakistan and Iran.
Effective and workable measures are required to manage unofficial cross border trade through documented and official channels that will not only add to revenues but open doors for legal trade between the two brotherly countries.
Speaking at a meeting during the visit of an Iranian delegation to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Iranian Governor-General stated that Pakistan and Iran share common historical relations, which must be maintained from generations to generations. Iran aims to develop cooperation with Pakistan with a view to enhance investment and trade in various sectors of the economy.
Consul General of Iran in Karachi, Mehdi Sobhani, Commercial Counselor Iranian Consulate, Sattar Soltan Shahi, Chairman Businessmen Group and Former President KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli, President KCCI, Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, Vice President KCCI, Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, Former President KCCI, A. Q. Khalil and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present during the meeting.
Governor-General Sistan-Baluchistan stated that geo-strategic location of Pakistan and Iran puts both countries in a strong position to easily access Central Asian countries by effectively utilizing their land, sea and air routes. He said that private sector of Pakistan from KCCI’s platform and Iran also can play a vibrant role in improving the existing trade volume. Private sectors of both countries can undertake joint ventures in various fields including petroleum products, plastics, fruits and seafood etc, he added.
Ali Awsat Hashmi also stressed that Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sistan-Baluchistan must join hands to facilitate the business communities of the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Businessmen Group and Former President KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli said that although trade ties between Pakistan and Iran had been improving but now, it has been observed that trade was descending. Both sides must sit together to devise a clear strategy and seek ways on how to improve this descending trade.
He was of the opinion that business communities of the two countries were keen to enhance trade and want every single issue, including political or any other issue, resolved with a view to pave way for enhanced trade. He assured that KCCI door will always remain open and they will make all out efforts towards improved trade between the two countries.
Earlier while welcoming the delegation, President KCCI stated that Pakistan and Iran share common historical, diplomatic, economic and political relations. He firmly believed that direct interaction between the business communities of both countries will enable them to better explore the opportunities for cooperation in various fields.
President KCCI also invited the Iranian delegation to participate in 12th International Mega Event – My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony exhibition scheduled to be held from 10th to 12th April, 2015 in Karachi. This event was being regularly organized by KCCI since 2004 and this year, KCCI expects participation of around 800,000 to 1 million visitors. My Karachi would provide a perfect platform for Iranian businesses to showcase their products and services and hold B2B meetings with local and international delegations, he added.
The Iranian delegation comprised of Ali Awsat Hashmi, Governor-General Province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Iran, Mr. Rehmasnbakhsh Habibi, Commander Border Control, Sistan & Baluchistan, Mr. Ali Asghar Keshawrz Moghaddam, Director General, Political & Election Affairs, Sistan & Baluchistan, Mr. Hamiduddin Yusufi, Commissioner Sarbaz Township, Dr. Mecri, Vice Chancellor Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Mr. Nadir Mirshkari, Head of the Industry, Mine & Trade Organization, Sistan Baluchistan, Mr. Mohibali Ghazzagh Jahid, Director General Electricity Supply Company, Sistan Baluchistan, Mr. Abdulhakeem Reeghi Mirjaveh, President Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines & Agriculture, Sistan & Baluchistan.
