Iran Chamber proposes task force to remove trade barriers with Pakistan

Tehran, IRNA – Iran Chamber of Commerce has proposed creating a joint task force with Pakistan to remove trade barriers and strengthen economic ties as a business delegation visits Islamabad, a senior chamber official said on Monday.

 

Hossein Pirmoazzen, vice president of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, said the proposal aims to establish a dedicated mechanism to identify obstacles to bilateral trade and address them under a defined timetable.

Pirmoazzen is leading a trade delegation to Pakistan during the 10th meeting of the Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee, chaired by Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak. The meeting is also attended by Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization.

Pirmoazzen said the business mission was intended to support exports and secure access to key markets while providing an opportunity to resolve long-standing commercial obstacles between the neighboring countries.

Issues to be discussed with Pakistani counterparts include faster issuance and mutual recognition of certificates of origin and trade documents, a unified mechanism for resolving disputes between exporters and importers, mutually agreed indirect banking arrangements, shorter customs clearance times at border crossings, lower transport costs, direct cargo routes and expanded cooperation on rail links and transport corridors.

He said private-sector businesses in both countries were ready to expand trade and investment if existing barriers were eased.