QUETTA: Consul General of Iran Hassan Darwesh called on Customs Collector Abdul Waheed Marwat and discussed with the latter ways of increasing cooperation to enhance trade between Pakistan and Iran.

Referring to the importance of bilateral trade for providing employment opportunities in the two countries, the Iranian envoy underlined the need for further increasing working hours at the border and raising the number of border crossings.

Mr Darwesh also referred to historical and deep cultural commonalities of Iran and Pakistan and the commitment of the top leadership of the two countries to promote bilateral trade.

The Iranian consul general said that in view of 300 million population of the two countries and their capabilities, holding joint meetings could help in furthering each other’s identities and strengthening ties.

The Quetta customs collector said the development of border markets and the entry of freight containers in each other’s country were necessary. He said that the federal and provincial authorities were also paying attention to these issues.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2020