TEHRAN, May 18: Iran and Pakistan pledged economic assistance to Afghanistan at a UN-sponsored conference here on Saturday, with the emphasis on promoting private sector activity.

Iranian Finance and Economy Minister Tahmaseb Mazaheri said boosting Afghanistan’s trade with the other two countries was a first step towards reviving the national economy after 23 years of war.

“The development of commercial relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan, two countries which have considerable economic potential,” would be “a first step in resurrecting trade in Afghanistan and strengthening its economy,” he said.

Mazaheri emphasised oil and petro-chemical industries, building and road construction, agricultural machinery and manufacturing as domains for cooperation between the three.

His Pakistani counterpart, Shaukat Aziz, told the conference, “Pakistan is very eager to cooperate with Afghanistan in its reconstruction efforts individually and as a partner in the international and regional efforts.”

“Islamabad has taken various steps for facilitating movement of people and goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan, so very essential for reconstruction and development,” he added.

Mr Aziz singled out agriculture, rural development, civil aviation, finance and banking, engineering services, judicial and legal services, and the establishment of small and medium firms as ways in which Pakistan could help.

He also suggested offering college places for teachers, doctors, nurses and paramedics.

“Our trade with Afghanistan has picked up since the return of peace, and we expect the private sectors of the two countries to develop it even further,” he said.

The deputy head of Afghanistan’s interim government, Hedayat Amin-Arsala, on his first visit to Tehran, said Kabul was counting on the private sector to be “the force behind reconstruction.”

“We are preparing economic legislation which will be very liberal,” Amin-Arsala, who is also finance minister, said.

“We want above all to give every opportunity to the private sector and facilitate foreign trade,” he said.—AFP