Tehran seen as best option to overcome energy crisis

Lahore: Chairman of the United International Group Mian Shahid has lauded the efforts of the Government to gain foothold in the lost Iranian market.

The PML-N policy of regional integration will give dividends once western sanctions are lifted enabling both neighbours to improve bilateral trade, he said.

Talking to founder President IWCCI Samina Fazil and former VP FPCCI Naima Ansari, he said that our trade has reduced by 75 percent in last five years despite a preferential trade agreements while Tehran’s trade with India, China and Turkey is booming.

However, he said that removal of sanctions will help Iran to become member of WTO paving way for enhanced trade for which our representatives should start spadework to identifying potential areas of mutual cooperation.

Iran is a great market for Pakistan agricultural and livestock production while we can import electricity, gas, oil, and steel, said Mian Shahid.

He lauded the efforts of the central banks of two countries to find ways to remove hurdles and develop financial channels to encourage bilateral trade. He said that business community is pinning high hoped on the scheduled visit of commerce minister to Tehran where he must try to resolve issue of tariff and non-tariff barriers. Government should also consider making an effective trade corridor after final deal between Iran and west as Tehran remains best option for Pakistan to overcome energy crisis, he demanded.