Iranian Consul General called on Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore:Iranian Consul General Mohammad Hossein Bani Asadi, called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here today. Matters of mutual interest including enhancing cooperation in different sectors were discussed during the meeting. Provincial Agriculture Minister Ahmad Ali Aulakh, Special Assistant Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board, Secretaries of energy, higher education, livestock and agriculture departments were present on the occasion.

Talking to the distinguished guest, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that deep cultural and historic ties exist between Pakistan and Iran but it is the need of the hour that these relations should be converted into economic and trade cooperation. He said that bilateral relations can be further strengthened by enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. He said that there are vast prospects of investment in livestock, agriculture, energy and other sectors in Punjab and urged that the Iranian investors should fully benefit from these opportunities. The Chief Minister pointed out that trade cooperation can be enhanced through barter trade system. He said that Pakistan is the fourth largest milk producing country in the world and cooperation can be extended in milk processing sector. He said that modern slaughter house has been constructed in the provincial metropolis with the cooperation of Iran. He said that food requirements of Iranian people can be met by halal meat packed according to the hygienic principles through this most modern slaughter house equipped with latest facilities. Shahbaz Sharif disclosed that a veterinary university is being set up in Bahawalpur and Iran can also extend cooperation in this regard. Lauding the efforts of the Iranian Consul General for enhancing trade cooperation between Iran and Pakistan, the Chief Minister said that Punjab and Iran can launch joint ventures in agriculture, livestock, dairy farming and other sectors. He said that a large quantity of wheat had been exported last year, therefore, Iran should consider the possibility of importing wheat from Punjab through barter trade system. He directed that a delegation from Punjab be sent to Iran which should consider increasing bilateral cooperation.

Iranian Consul General Mohammad Hossein Bani Asadi said that relations between Punjab and Iran are expanding in various sectors. He said that after provincial metropolis, setting up of most modern slaughter houses jointly in other cities should also be considered. He said that Iran wants to enhance cooperation in livestock, agriculture, science, technology and medical sectors. He extended invitation to Chief Minister Punjab to visit Iran. The Chief Minister thanked him and accepted the invitation.