960402

Iranian consulate visits KCCI

Pak-Iran shipping

service must to promote

bilateral trade

KARACHI: The Commercial Counsellor of Iranian Consulate in Karachi, Muhammad Ali Masoumi has underlined the need for a shipping-line between Pakistan and Iran for increasing bilateral trade.

Speaking at a meeting with members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Tuesday, the Iranian Commercial Counsellor said that his government has sent a proposal to Pakistan government to start a shipping lines.

He said Iran is also following a policy of privatisation and deregulation like Pakistan. "We are trying to be self-sufficient," he said adding that Iran is now self-sufficient in most of commodities like wheat, iron, electricity etc.

Masoumi said due to lack of information many Pakistani traders do not know about business prospects with Iran. There is big scope for bilateral trade and cooperation between the two countries, he added.

Iran Air has initiated a programme to provide discounted air tickets and hotel stay for businessmen, he said, adding that the package included visits of tourism in Iran.

Talking about re-start of two Pak-Iran textile mills, the Iranian Commercial Counsellor said two or three Iranian delegations had visited Pakistan and now it has been decided that one mill would be run by Pakistan and another by Iran.

Moreover, he said the feasibility study to establish Pak-Iran refinery has been completed and further progress would soon be made.

He said Iran would hold a single country exhibition in Lahore in next week and such type of exhibition would also be held in Karachi within five months.

Masoumi said the Consulate is providing all facilities to the businessmen coming for visas. Normally a visa is issued within 72 hours, however, if the case is urgent, the visa is provided within 24 hours.

He suggested starting of border trade between the countries in the region and hoped that it would eliminate smuggling.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Vice President, KCCI, Muhammad Mansha Churrah emphasised the need to increase bilateral trade between the two countries. He asked the Commercial Counsellor to suggest his government to stop smuggling reportedly taking place through Irani borders.-APP