FPCCI president appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Iran. He laid emphasis on holding of commercial activities between the private sectors of the two countries for business to business relations and enhancement of trade.
He said the visit would open opportunities for enhancement of bilateral trade and economic relations between both nations.
"Presently, Pakistan and Iran enjoy Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) wherein the concessions on 18 percent of items are given but this PTA too has not yet been fully materialised due to international sanctions on Iran while Pakistan lost its market of mangoes, rice, citrus fruit and other agricultural items," he noted.
Daroo Khan called for promotion of barter trade between Pakistan and Iran citing the huge potential of Pakistan in exporting agricultural products, edible items such as fruits and vegetables while in return Iran has potential to export crude oil and petroleum products.
Quoting the statistics, the FPCCI president indicated that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran stood at US$ 398.5 million; wherein the volume of Pakistan's export to Iran is US$ 21 million and import from Iran is US$ 377.4 million.
"Iran plays a leading role in international organisations such as OIC, D-8, ECO, G-24 and G-77 where Pakistan is also an active member," he said, adding that stronger trade and business ties with Iran would not only help Pakistan's economic situation, but would also lead to greater stability and economic prosperity in the region.
He suggested that both countries should promote trade through land borders by opening new trade routes like Gabd-Reemdan and Mand-Pashin, which, he said, would help improve economy of Balochistan, in particular.
Internationally, it has been proved that opening of new trade border among neighbouring countries boost bilateral trade which can be seen in case of India that open its borders with Bangladesh and Nepal.
"Iran is the first nation that recognised Pakistan as a sovereign country in 1947 and since then Iran has unique and good relations with Pakistan," he said.
FPCCI president called for early completion of Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project.
He also praised Iran for starting exports of electricity to Balochistan which would help in resolving the energy crisis. He lauded the development of Chahbahar port as it would serve as a sister port of Gwadar for developing connectivity by establishing the North-South and East-West corridors.
Daroo Khan also welcomed initiation of the process for release of a number of Pakistani prisoners by the government of Iran and for making arrangements for their expeditious repatriation to Pakistan.