ISLAMABAD: Consul-General of Islamic Republic of Iran based in Karachi Murad Naimaiti has said that current trade volume between D-8 countries is very low which must be enhanced. He said that two-way trade volume among D-8 countries is $150 billion which is only 0.5 percent of total global trade which is not satisfactory while the economy of D-8 countries is getting better shape day by day.
During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, Murad Naimaiti that after the implementation of preferential trade agreement between D-8 countries the situation will further improve.
He said previously trade volume between Iran and Pakistan was $1 billion but now both countries are finding ways to further improve their trade ties. He said seven trade committees are formed on ministerial level in which ministers of all D-8 countries are working closely. He said after signing of preferential trade agreement all D-8 countries will move forward to sign free trade agreement.
He said Pakistan’s economy is heading on positive path. He described Pakistan’s infrastructure as good. Pakistan is also a neighboring countries of India and Afghanistan which is a healthy sign for other countries, to enhance their trade.
He said when D-8 countries will start preparing lists of extra trade items European countries will follow the same.
Murad Naimaiti said that all D-8 countries are also members of World Trade Organization (WTO) so we have to abide the rules of World Trade Organization.
He said after lifting of sanctions of Iranian banking sector both countries will find further ways to increase their trade ties, because businessmen and traders of both countries will make their banking transactions through banking channels.
He said Iran is a beneficial market for Pakistani products and Iran also provides engineering expertise to Pakistan. We are considering to start import of fruits and other edible items from Pakistan. We are interested to access the leather market of Pakistan hopefully Pakistan and Iran will enhance their trade ties in future.
