QUETTA, May 18: The border trade between Pakistan and Iran witnessed an increase of almost 100 per cent in last three years and both the countries have prepared a list of items to reduce duty and taxes for further enhancement of trade volume.
This was stated by the Governor-General of the Iranian Province of Sistan, Dr Habibullah Dhamardha, and Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani while jointly addressing a press conference at the Governor’s House here on Friday.
The border trade would be brought to $1 billion between Iran and Pakistan and this increase would be 200 per cent more than the present trade volume, they said.
They said in 2004-04 the border trade volume between Pakistan and Iran was Rs7.5 billion, but it increased to Rs16 billion during 2005-06 during the various measures taken.
"We have fixed the target of trade increase to Rs60 billion," they announced and added that both the countries have suggested various steps for achieving the target.
Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani informed that Pakistan had prepared a list of 465 items while Iran included 400 items in the list on which customs duty and taxes would be reduced in near future.
He said both the countries have decided to improve infrastructure for free movement of goods, besides simplification of issuance of visa.
Railway line between Quetta-Zahidan would be improved and air link would be established between both the provinces, he said, adding launching of a ferry service between Gwadar and Chahbar ports was also discussed in the meeting.
He said that Pakistan had established four entry points other than Taftan while some more points would also be opened soon.
He said that dispute on land allotment for construction of Pakistani consulate was also resolved and construction of the new building was launched.
He said that Zahidan and Balochistan would also extend help and cooperation in the field of education and would also provide cold storage and other related facilities to each other.
The Governor General of Sistan Balochistan, Dr. Habibullah Dhamardha, while replying to a question said that Pakistan and Iran have very cordial relations and his country wanted to extend more cooperation in various fields for the development of Pakistan.
He said that Iran wanted to discourage smuggling on its border for increasing legal trade between both the countries and both the countries have decided to take steps in this regard.
Referring to Gwadar port, the Iranian head of delegation said that Iran would review the available opportunities at Gwadar port and would take benefit of it.
He said that Iran was supplying electricity to various towns of Makran and would expand its supply to other areas.
Replying to a question, Dr. Dhamardha said the old Quetta-Zahidan railway track would be improved for increasing rail speed.
He said that Quetta -Zahidan highway would be improved. Joint venture could be launched for providing maximum communication and other required facilities, he said.
He said that as Islamic countries, Pakistan and Iran should come forward and extend help and cooperation to other Islamic countries.
