The Iranian Deputy Commerce Minister Indicates Increased Import of Rice and Wheat from Pakistan

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Karachi: On the side line of the trilateral meetings of the heads of states of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, a meeting was held at TDAP on 23rd February 2012 between Deputy Commerce Minister Islamic Republic of Iran Mr. Ghobadi and Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Mr. Javed Anwar Khan along with exporters of Rice and Wheat.

The Secretary TDAP welcomed the Honourable guest and introduced the officers of TDAP and exporters of Rice and Wheat. Mr. Safdar Mehkri, Vice Chairman, REAP and Mr. Zahid W Khawaja, Member Executive Committee REAP highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s export surplus of Rice and identified the hurdles faced by their exporters while doing business with their Iranian counterparts.

They requested the Iranian Deputy Commerce Minister to give preferential treatment to Pakistan’s rice by extending a zero import duty regime for Rice import from Pakistan under already signed PTA with any future change to it only after mutual agreement.

The trade also suggested for allowing Rice import from Pakistan as a fellow ECO member country by issuing Import Permit to all interested Rice importers in Iran without any restrictions. The representatives of REAP also requested for the removal of requirement of Mujawaz. The trade supported the idea of Pak – Iran currency swap for the better trade relation between the two countries.

Mr. Abdul Kaleem Baakza of Wheat Traders Association of Pakistan appraised the Deputy Iranian Commerce Minister about the quality of Pakistan’s Rice and the availability wheat surplus in the country. He requested the Iranian Government to facilitate the wheat exporters of Pakistan by removing administrative hurdles confronted by the sectors.

The Iranian Deputy Commerce Minister viewed that the relationship between two brethren Islamic countries could go a long way in the presence of good railway, road and sea link. He ensured the exporters that Iranian preference is Pakistani Rice and the problems identified by the REAP members will be resolved. Referring to the import of wheat, he highlighted that Iranian market is quality conscious and import of Wheat will depend upon acceptability by their consumers.

He advised the wheat traders to nominate a focal person for follow up meeting on import of Wheat to be held on 24th of Feb, 2012. He indicated that the volume of trade between Pakistan and Iran would increase upto US$ 10 bn and the outcome of this meeting would help in formulating appropriate trade policy for ensuring sustain trade between the countries . The meeting was followed by informal talks between exporters and the Iranian delegates.

For more information, contact:
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan
5th Floor, Block A, Finance and Trade Centre, Shahrah-e-Faisal,
Karachi 75200
Pakistan.
PABX: 92-21- 9206487-90
UAN: 92-21-111-444-111
Email: tdap@tdap.gov.pk
Website: www.tdap.gov.pk