RAWALPINDI ( WNAM REPORT): The Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, H.E. Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) and met with RCCI President Usman Shaukat. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral trade, streamlining business processes, and fostering economic cooperation in key sectors.
During the discussion, Ambassador Amiri-Moghaddam highlighted the potential to increase trade between Pakistan and Iran from the current $2.7 billion to $10 billion. He emphasized the need for pragmatic steps to strengthen trade relations, including the expansion of border markets, the establishment of new crossing points, and the removal of banking and bureaucratic hurdles. The Iranian ambassador said that expansion of the parking area on the Taftan side would facilitate Iranian trucks. He also requested to allow free movement of Iranian trucks at least up till Quetta. He also proposed extending the railway network to Zahedan to facilitate smoother trade routes.
In a significant move to promote business travel, the Iranian ambassador announced special facilitation to RCCI members and business community. He identified key sectors for boosting mutual trade, including meat, rice, pharmaceuticals, seeds, petroleum, gas, and tourism.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat warmly welcomed the Iranian envoy and discussed the chamber’s initiatives to enhance trade cooperation. He reaffirmed RCCI’s commitment to fostering stronger business ties between the two neighboring countries, particularly in pharma, agro-food, energy, and tourism.
The meeting was attended by RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf, Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, Executive Committee members, and representatives from various industries.
At the conclusion of the visit, President Usman Shaukat presented a chamber memento to Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam as a token of appreciation.
