Iran’s inclusion in ‘C category’ affecting trade: CG

LAHORE: The inclusion of Iran in ‘C category’ was adversely affecting flight operations and bilateral trade.

Talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) president Mian Nauman Kabir, senior vice president Mian Rehman Aziz Chan and vice president Haris Ateeq, Iranian Consul General Muhammad Raza Nazri said that there was no such restriction from the Iranian side and Pakistan should do the same.

The envoy invited suggestions from the LCCI and the Quetta Chamber regarding inclusion or exclusion of items in the barter trade list.

It was decided that rice and denim would be exported from Pakistan and, in return, it would buy electricity, he said, adding that Iran was ready to supply natural gas to Pakistan under the barter trade.

“Now, it is up to the Pakistan government to take any step,” he said, adding that Iran was facilitating import of mangoes.

Nazri said that Pakistan has imposed 50 per cent duty on Iranian apples, which was just 10 per cent in Afghanistan. The Pakistan Consulate in Iran should expedite the process of visa issuance, he added.

Kabir promised raising the issues with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and said that joint venture between Pakistani and Iranian traders could help promote bilateral trade.

Both countries should focus on market research and give priority to each other in terms of imports and exports, he added.