By Afshan Lalani
KARACHI: A dinner was hosted in honor of visiting delegation from Iran. The special evening was hosted by Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui, President Karachi Business Forum & Think Tank at his place. Pakistan and Iran are close neighbors, and they were together partnering in turkey in what was called regional cooperation for development (rcd). Pakistan share a boundary of 909 km border on the western side.
Iran was the first country to accord international recognition to Pakistan when it got independence in 1947. Since then Iran had unique and good relations with Pakistan. The economy of Islamic Republic of Iran is transitionary phase with a mixed economy which largely depends upon hydrocarbon, petroleum, agriculture and the service sector. They have proven large reserves of natural gas and petroleum products.
The Government of Iran has been striving to develop its infrastructure, communication, transportation system and also expanding relations with neighboring countries. The bilateral trade is in favor of Iran and Pakistan’s major exports to Iran include paper and paperboard, cereals, textiles, plastic goods, vegetable and fruit. The commodities which Pakistan imports from Iran include electrical machinery, minerals, oil, organic chemicals, iron, and steel. There are huge potentials available for enhancement of trade between Pakistan and Iran by way of barter system. This, however, is dependent upon Iran relaxing its trade policy with Pakistan and allowing market access to Pakistan.
The meeting was well-attended by Mr. Iftikhar Shallwani, Commissioner Karachi, Jahangir Khan, famous squash player, and dignitaries and businessmen, association heads from different sectors. The delegation includes Masoud Khansari, President Chamber of Commerce Tehran & Morad Nemati, Advisory to Ministry of Commerce Mine and Industry in Exhibition Affairs, Mr. Ahmad Mohammadi, Consul General, Mahmoud Hajy, Commercial Attache, Mr. Mahdi Amir Jafari, Third Consul Economic Affair to name few. The delegation has invited Pakistani businessman to visit Iran and play their role in strengthening the relations between Pakistan and Iran.
