Islamabad, December 21, 2023 – The Iranian envoy to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday to facilitate a smoother flow of barter trade between the two neighboring nations.
The call for collaboration came during a meeting between Ambassador Moghaddam and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana, held at FBR Headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting, also attended by Member Customs (Ops), focused on customs, cross-border trade, and strategies to enhance the efficiency of bilateral trade.
Both sides engaged in discussions to identify and address obstacles hindering the seamless execution of barter trade, with a mutual commitment to foster increased economic activities. Recognizing the potential benefits of an improved trade framework, they expressed their shared objective to remove impediments and create a more conducive environment for business interactions.
One significant outcome of the meeting was an agreement to expedite the operationalization of a gate at the Rimdan-Gabd crossing point. This move is aimed at facilitating traders and boosting cross-border trade between Iran and Pakistan. The importance of efficient logistics infrastructure cannot be overstated, and the commitment to enhance these facilities aligns with the goal of promoting mutually beneficial economic activities.
Ambassador Moghaddam emphasized the necessity of expanding the parking area on the Taftan side to better accommodate Iranian trucks, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency of trade operations. Additionally, he requested permission for the free movement of Iranian trucks, at least up to Quetta. Chairman FBR, while acknowledging the request, apprised the envoy of legal hurdles associated with such permissions. However, he assured that the FBR would thoroughly examine the matter, demonstrating a willingness to explore solutions within the legal framework.
In a bid to modernize and streamline trade-related processes, both sides agreed to explore the implementation of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system. The adoption of digital platforms for sharing trade-related data is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork, and contribute to a more transparent and seamless trading environment.
Further strengthening diplomatic ties, Ambassador Moghaddam extended an invitation to a delegation comprising officers from Pakistan Customs and other relevant departments to visit Iran. The proposed meeting aims to address and resolve all border-related issues between the two countries, fostering a collaborative approach to create a more conducive atmosphere for trade.
The discussions between the Iranian envoy and FBR leadership underscore the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving trade-related challenges and fostering stronger economic ties. As both nations seek to overcome hurdles and enhance cooperation, the outcomes of this meeting signal a positive step towards a more robust and efficient trade relationship between Iran and Pakistan.
