Iran’s Industry, Mines and Trade Minister Reza Rahmani has stressed the need to raise the volume of trade with Pakistan to $5 billion by 2021.

Addressing a ceremony marking Pakistan Day in Tehran, he hoped that the goal will be materialized by establishing banking ties and finalisation of free trade agreements.

He said that Iran and Pakistan boast of numerous commonalities in various spheres, including religion, culture and history.

“Iran-Pakistan ties are as old as the laters’s independence and both countries have always enjoyed friendly relations,” he said.

Iran was the first country that recognized the independence of Pakistan and established its embassy in Islamabad, Rahmani said, terming Pakistan as a major gateway for Iran to enter the east.

“Iran is also a country with numerous economic potentials,” he said, noting that Iran’s economy and market will not be ignored by the economic activists and political officials.

The two countries are capable enough to develop collaboration in the fields of agriculture, foodstuff, tourism, pharmaceuticals and sports, he maintained.

The ceremony was attended by diplomats from different countries including France, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Cuba, Armenia and Palestine.

Source » pakistantoday