Iran seeks FTA, banking channel with Pakistan: CG tells KATI

Consul General of Islamic Republic of Iran, Ahmad Muhammadi, has said Iran is looking forward to have Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan. "Iran and Pakistan lack banking channel which is directly affecting business interests of both countries' businessmen," he said, speaking at a meeting of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI).
Iranian diplomat said bilateral trade of Iran and Pakistan was facing issues due to tariff barriers which need to be redressed to boost two-way trade. He expressed hope all these hurdles would be removed soon. "The business exhibition that was held in Pakistan by Iran was a successful event and now we expect same enthusiasm from Pakistani business community for such events in Iran," he said, adding that he and his team at the Iranian consulate in Karachi were providing every possible facilitation in visa processing for business community and expect the same gesture form Pakistani embassy in Iran.
KATI president Tariq Malik said that there is a great potential of improvement of bilateral trade and economic relation of both countries. Masood Naqi said that private sector is ready to play its role for banking channel. He also urged business delegation exchange between both countries. KATI's vice president of Junaid Naqi, who is also head of KATI's standing committee on diplomatic affairs and the CEO of KITE DMC Zubair Chhaya, also expressed their views on the occasion.