RAWALPINDI, JAN 11 (DNA) – Iranian ambassador Mehdi Honardoost has said that Pakistan and Iran have an old history and they are culturally, historically, linguistically and religiously attached with each other.

 There are tremendous opportunities to improve the trade relations between the two countries. Sanctions have been now lifted up by the world powers.

He expressed these views during his visit to RCCI.

He said,  Pakistan can tap in lucrative incentives offered by Iranian Government in different sectors Energy, Pharmaceutical, Auto and Information Technology.

Ambassador Honardoost showed his government’s resolve to reactivate bilateral trade relations and said that joint commission is working hard to finalize the draft of Free trade agreement and its in the final stage. “A good news is here that direct flights between Tehran and Islamabad will be started in June 2017.

The Iranian envoy said that Iran is a big market and Pakistani goods have a good reputation and value in Iranian market. There is a big demand of Pakistani basmati Rice, he added. We are improving the banking channels, which is one of the major hurdles in promoting bilateral trade, he said.

 He emphasized on the improved relationship between chambers to chamber.  Mehdi Honardoost assured his full cooperation and said that Iran is keen to further strengthen relations with Pakistan, which are mutually beneficial to the people of both countries.

In his welcome address, President, Raja Amer Iqbal said that the trade volume between the two countries is less than a half billion dollar and it is very low.

 This has to be increased and suggested that exchange of delegation is important. Joint ventures in Poultry, Marble, Pharmaceutical and Information Technology sector can help both countries to increase the trade volume.  Single country Exhibitions can be a great source of introducing products in each other’s Market, he said.

A short summary was also given to the ambassador related to the RCCI upcoming and past events. A cake cutting ceremony was also held to mark Pak-Iran Business day. In the end a memento was presented to the Iranian envoy.=DNA

===========