ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has proposed opening of six routes for transit trade with Iran and Turkey in order to enhance commercial activities in the region.

 

These routes could be opened with Iranian border city Taftan. These include Karachi-Taftan, Gwadar-Gabd-Taftan, Peshawar-Quetta-Taftan, Lahore-Multan-Taftan, Lahore-Quetta-Taftan and Islamabad-Lahore-Ratodero-Taftan.

 

Secretary Communication Anwar Ahmad Khan identified these new trade routes in the first-day meeting of the member countries of Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) which began here on Monday.

 

The meeting discussed official border crossings and routes, mutually agreed transit system, permit issues, vehicle weight, dimensions and other specifications, customs clearance/working hours at the border points, ways and means for facilitation of visa for drivers.

 

The secretary communication said that National Highway Authority (NHA) was executing around 100 projects with an over-stretched portfolio of $7.0 billion to achieve this ambitious goal.

 

The purpose is to provide linkages with neighboring countries to give boost to bilateral relations and enhance trade.

 

Anwar emphasized that scope of cooperation should not be limited to public/government sector only as in today’s world the private sector has become the real engine of growth and needs facilitation.

 

We should endeavor for joint public-private entrepreneurships, he added.

 

The official hoped event would provide an opportunity to further cement trade ties.
 

(Source: DAWN)