PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Customs has said that Iranian Border authorities opened the Zero Point Gate along Pakistan-Iran border on Tuesday after the Eid Nauroz holidays to restore the suspended trade activities across the border.
It serves as Pakistan’s only legal official border crossing into Iran and famed by locals as the “road to London” because it is a famous smuggling route.
Earlier, it has been agreed between the two countries to increase the volume of trade to $05billion till 2021 for which more zero points will be opened.
The sources said Iranian border authorities had closed the Zero Point Gate in connection with the Eid Nauroz holidays. The business activities on both sides of Pakistan-Iran border had been suspended for almost a month. After the end of holidays, the border has been reopened today due to which transporters have rushed to the zero point for crossing into Iran.
It must be important to add that all the economic activities of people in border city of Taftan are associated with this gate. The gate normally opens at 9: 00 am which remains open till 2: 00 pm. One day Pakistani goods cross into Iran and another day Iranian goods are brought to Pakistan. Hundreds of laborers are associated with this business.
The government of Pakistan wants to increase the volume of trade with Iran. The textile industry, which constitutes more than 50% of the country’s exports, is believed to increase its exports to Iran but it will require close coordination between the private and public sectors.
Pakistan exports rice, horticulture, sports goods, surgical equipment, information technology, textile goods and construction materials. Pakistani rice is one of the few traditional items that Iran imports. As far as rice export to Iran is concerned, some are hopeful while others say the situation will take a long time to improve.
Pakistan imports petroleum products, electricity, leather, chemicals, building & construction materials, rubber, plastic, fashion accessories, fruits and vegetables from Iran.
