Iran, Pakistan soon to launch free economic zone

Mohammad Rafiee, Consul General of Iran in the south western Pakistani city, made the remarks during a meeting with the Pakistani Province of Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan at his secretariat.

Both sides agreed that boosting trade between the two neighboring nations would directly benefit ordinary citizens.

Reports also suggested that increasing Pakistan and Iran trade up to five billion dollars remained the focal point of the meeting.

Rafiee and Kamal stressed upon trade through Pakistan-Iran border points and economic zones to foster bilateral economic relations.

They also discussed implementation of decisions taken by the Pakistan-Iran Border Commission and Joint Border Trade Commission.

“Both nations have social, political and cultural relations for decades; therefore, the Iranian government has always given importance to its relations with Pakistan,” said Rafiee, describing the Pakistani Province of Balochistan as an important bridge between the country and Iran.

During the one-to-one meeting, the Iranian consul general invited Chief Minister Kamal to visit Iran’s Sistian-Baluchestan Province.

“Today, relations between the two countries depend a lot upon trade and economic relations with neighboring country can only be strengthened by boosting trade activities,” said Kamal, adding that unrest in the region had a negative impact on economic stability in Pakistan as well as Iran.

“The federal and provincial governments have been taking measures to enhance trade with Iran,” said Kamal, adding that Islamabad had been making effective strides in curbing drug smuggling and bringing peace to the border areas.

“The tax-free border markets in Pakistan and Iran will boost economic ties between the two countries,” said Kamal.

The chief minister also briefed the Iranian consul general on the security measures taken for pilgrims travelling from Balochistan to Iran.

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