TEHRAN - The private sectors of Iran and Pakistan have stressed the need for finalizing a free trade agreement between the two neighboring countries.

Hamed Asgari, the director of international affairs of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA), and Atif Ikram Sheikh, the president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), discussed a wide range of bilateral issues in a meeting in Pakistan. 

Speaking during the meeting, the Iranian side urged the need for further joint investments by both the state and private sectors of Iran and Pakistan.

The creation of a joint free zone with the incentives and support of both governments will be an additional incentive for further cooperation, Asgari said.

He also highlighted the urgency of making improvements in the transportation and customs sectors, calling for removing tariff obstacles and problems hindering the money transfer.

Asgari further underscored the significance of cutting tariffs on bilateral trade and called for a free trade agreement between the two neighbors to be finalized at the earliest.

The president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, for his part, said that the establishment of a joint special economic zone between Iran and Pakistan would be a positive step in the promotion of relations between the two countries.

The current level of trade between Tehran and Islamabad is far behind their potential, he said, urging the need for finalizing a free trade agreement between the two nations.

EF/