QUETTA: Trade between Pakistan and Iran is important as it will give impetus to business and industry in both countries, Collector of Customs Abdul Waheed Marwat said during a meeting on Wednesday with Hussain Jafari, who heads the economic affairs desk at Iran’s consulate in Quetta.

The collector briefed the Iranian official about an ongoing project in Chaman, on the Afghan border, funded by the Asian Development Bank. The project is expected to serve as a catalyst for businesses in the region through innovative methods of import and export.

Mr Marwat said the government was keen to launch a similar project on the Taftan border with Iran in order to expand and revolutionise trade for the benefit of both countries.

“Pakistan has conveyed its reservations to the Iranian government regarding white spirit imports and requested Tehran to ensure this activity is put to an end,” he said.

He said Islamabad was providing all facilities to Iranian traders and a joint border meeting is held every year in which business issues are discussed. The last such meeting was held at Zahedan, Iran, in November. The next meeting will be held in Quetta.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2020