Pakistan will explore new trade routes of Iran

Islamabad:

A trade delegation will visit Tehran in the near future, as Pakistan sought

to pursue “unsanctioned” routes in trade ties with Iran and other regional partners under the umbrella of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

In an exclusive interview to IRNA on the eve of the 23rd meeting of trade ministers of SCO countries in Islamabad, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said that Pakistan is looking forward to close cooperation with the new government in Iran.

“We are determined to pursue non-approved routes in trade relations with Iran and our regional partners under the umbrella of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” said Kamal, who is a native of Balochistan, which borders Iran.

“The visit of the Pakistani delegation to Iran continues

on our agenda, trade committees are active at high levels as well as between the two provinces [Pakistan’s Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan]”, he said.

The visit of the Pakistani delegation was planned much earlier but was postponed due to the tragic death of President Ibrahim Raisi and his colleagues earlier this year, according to the minister.

During the visit of late President Dr. Raisi to Pakistan, the two countries discussed measures to enhance trade and remove barriers. “We’re trying to find different solutions for … we’re going to be experts on unsanctioned routes,” he said.

Pakistan is hosting the 23rd meeting of ministers of trade and economic affairs of SCO countries. Jam Kamal Khan called the upcoming meeting “very important with the presence of key delegations.

“We will have Shanghai this week in Islamabad, which is considered very important considering the current situation in the region and the various scenarios around economic developments in the world and the region,” he said.

“The presence of powerful delegations such as China and Russia, as well as our neighbor Iran … is an ideal opportunity to find new opportunities … and use effective methods in the field of trade, economy and provides an exchange of delegations.”

In the meeting, he added, Pakistan will pursue an effective agenda to enhance the living conditions of the people of the region. “This development will be an opportunity to help develop regional relations and safeguard our common interests,” the minister said.

“We are confident that there will be important consultations with Iranian officials on the sidelines of the trade ministers’ meeting on bilateral trade and economic relations, including the exploitation of border markets,” he added.