DURING his wide ranging talks with both civilian and military leadership in Islamabad, Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Javed Zarif expressed his country’s readiness to develop comprehensive relations with Pakistan and announced the opening of a border crossing point with the country for facilitating trade.
Geographical proximity and close brotherly ties rooted in historical, cultural and religious commonalities offer huge potential to enhance mutual trade and economic cooperation for the benefit of two countries. Though trade between the two countries is growing gradually, it is less than the potential. Business communities of the two countries should be encouraged and facilitated so that they can play their due role to strengthen trade and economic ties. And indeed opening new crossing points on the border is a step in the right direction to achieve that purpose. Rimdan crossing point that the Iranian Foreign Minister announced will be opened next week is suitably located for export and import of fruits, livestock, construction material and petroleum products. Abundant opportunities are available in the Iranian dairy, livestock, meat and beverages sectors for Pakistani traders and investors. Similarly, Pakistan can also benefit from Iran’s energy and petrochemical sector. However, at the same time the two countries must make joint efforts to curb smuggling on the border which is notorious for illicit and undocumented trade. Strict security checks and arrangements be made on the border to prevent smuggling as well as movement of other undesirable elements which create mistrust in bilateral relations. With India kicked out of Chabahar Port project and China stepping in, prospects are high of Tehran joining the CPEC project. This will be a win-win situation for the three countries and especially bring Pakistan and Iran more close to each other. Both Gwadar Deep Sea Port and Chabahar will complement each other to make the region hub of trade and economic activities. Frequent exchanges between the two countries at different levels are welcoming and these must continue to build a strong multifaceted partnership.
