Pakistan and Iran explore cooperation on cement trade

A trade delegation from the government of Iran, headed by Ali Mohtasham Amiri, managing director of Milad-e-Noor, has visited Pakistan to explore opportunities for mutual cooperation and enhancing trade relations between Tehran and Islamabad. The cement industry is also included in their agenda, says a statement of Pakistan largest trade representative body, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

The delegation is interested in different types of polypropylene bags for cement packing and cement production.

Pakistani and Iranian businessmen held an interactive session at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday, when the Iranian trade delegation, headed by Mr Mohtasham Amiri visited the chamber. Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, president of the KCCI, talked about the historical trade ties between the two countries and said that business community of both countries can benefit from each other's success stories. He pointed out that full potential of bilateral trade is not being realised so far due to certain impediments and pointed out that lack of banking channel is the biggest hurdle in this regard.

Meanwhile, a report of local media says that the volume of formal trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Iran was unimpressive due to sanctions imposed by the United States and other international organisations. However, informal trade is continuous through the border, as the two countries do not have banking channels. The traders of Pakistan and Iran are using third country for this purpose. In addition, Pakistan cement industry reportedly faces stiff competition in Afghanistan for exports of cement.