The Supreme Council of Iran’s Free Trade Industry and Special Economic Zones, Reza Masroh, has said that the establishment of a joint free trade zone and linking the Economic Corridor (CPEC) of China and Pakistan (CPEC) to Russia and Europe through Iran could be on the agenda of Tehran-Islamabad trade relations.
In a meeting with Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Masroa said on Sunday that good neighbours can pave the way for increased trade, revitalizing joint production capacity and prosperity in economic exchanges between Iran and Pakistan.
The two officials met as part of the official visit of President Masuud Pezeshkian and his accompanying delegation to Pakistan, which began on Saturday.
As two friendly countries with a common history and civilization, Iran and Pakistan have the potential needed to expand cooperation in all areas, Masroh added.
Describing in detail the areas of mutual interest to strengthen bilateral relations, he said that cultivating rice through offshore agriculture and treating it in the free zone of Chabahar could be placed on the agenda as Iran faces water shortages.
Issuing multi-entry visas to traders from both countries, the establishment of a joint free trade zone and linking China-Pakistan’s economic passage (CPEC) to Iran and Europe are key initiatives that could lead to a surge in economic relations between the two countries, Iranian officials said.
Kamal Khan welcomed the proposals and described them as important factors in increasing current economic exchanges. This is estimated to be around $3 billion.
rhm/