Engr. Daroo Khan Achakzai, President FPCCI emphasized on exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade and economics between Pakistan and Iran. He said that it is the need of hour in current global economic scenario that both countries should come forward to enhance and strengthen bilateral ties by facilitating the business communities to in terms of banking channels, visas, harmonization of rules and regulations and border trade facilitation. He was talking to the Iranian Minister of Industries, Trade and Mines Reza Rehmani who visited FPCCI Capital Office, Islamabad along with official delegation consisting of Iranian government officials and businessmen from meeting with President FPCCI and business community of Pakistan. The meeting was attended by a large number of people prominently Abdul Waheed Sheikh, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Haji Iftikhar Ahmed, Vice Presidents of FPCCI, Irani Ambassador H.E. Mehdi Honardoost, Sohail Malik, Chairman Coordination FPCCI, Mian Akram Farid, Karim Aziz Malik, Sohail Altaf, former Vice Presidents FPCCI. Zahid Shah and Reza Rizvi, Chairman Pak-Iran Business Council of FPCCI
Engr. Daroo Khan Achakzai further said that Pakistan should not lag behind in developing economic ties with Iran. While briefing the current position of trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Iran, he said that despite of the fact that as per PTA between both the countries about 647 items has been granted concession in import duties the volume of total trade is US $ 1.3 billion which is far from the existing potential. On the other side similar commodities are also exchanged under smuggling in a notable volume.
President FPCCI urged for establishing reciprocal banking channels in both countries to remove great trade hurdle between the two countries. He further said that Pakistan and Iran should also establish a Joint Chamber of Commerce between FPCCI and ICCIMA which will not only facilitate the business communities but also to advise the governments for appropriate and prudent policies for the promotion of trade and economic relations.
The Iranian Minister appreciated and acknowledged the views and hospitality of the FPCCI that extended to the whole Iranian delegation and said that there is a great trade potential between both the countries and suggested that the business communities should make Joint ventures in various sectors. He further said that the experts of both sides should work together for exploring the new avenues of trade, investment, tourism, culture and technical assistance. At last on this pleasure moment both sides exchanged memento and traditional crests.