Islamabad, 19 August 2022 (TDI): Pakistan and Iran signed three memoranda of understanding in the fields of Maritime, Museum, and Information Broadcasting in the 21st session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Islamabad.
MoU between the National Museum of Iran and the National Museum of Pakistan on Museum Cooperation signed by Mr. Abdul Sattar Khokar, Senior Joint Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division Pakistan and Mr. Syed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/XOZkplHgDQ
— Economic Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan (@eadgop) August 18, 2022
Abdul Sattar Khokar, Senior Joint Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division Pakistan, and Syed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, signed a memorandum of understanding on Museum Cooperation.
The Joint Economic Cooperation Commission of Iran and Pakistan held its 21st session in Islamabad from the 17th to the 18th of August 2022 to strengthen cooperation. Moreover, Rostam Ghasemi, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, led the Iranian delegation. Whereas, Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister of Commerce of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, led the Pakistani delegation.
On August 17th, a Technical session took place, facilitated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Pakistan. Additionally, representatives from all the Ministries such as the Ministry of Railways, Aviation, Communication, and Maritime Affairs attended the session.
Syed Naveed Qamar’s Statment:
Minister of Commerce, Syed Naveed Qamar, gave closing remarks on August 18 and said that Pakistan places a high value on relations with Iran. Syed Naveed added, “It is an honor for me for co-chairing the 21st session of JEC which was held after a long gap.”
He further stated, “Enough agreements have been signed between both nations, now is the time to work hard for their successful implementation.”
Syed Naveed also stated that the Quetta-Taftan Road is passable. However, he added that various projects are being undertaken to improve the road. The Minister also stressed the importance of easing visa requirements for Pakistani traders and visitors.
Furthermore, he assured his counterpart that Pakistan is committed to doing everything possible to increase bilateral trade volume. Pakistan recently operationalized an additional border crossing point at Gabd (near Gwadar)-Reemdan to increase bilateral trade.
In addition, the purpose of the International Transport Agreement between Pakistan and Iran is to facilitate trade traffic from Turkey to Pakistan via Iran, while Iranian goods and passengers can access China via Pakistan.
Moreover, he said that, for the first time in Pakistan-Iran relations, both countries are establishing green corridors. A green corridor means to move transit trade with no additional tariffs or taxes. The creation of a Free Economic Zone on borders, as well as border markets, was discussed. Furthermore, Syed Naveed thanked his counterpart for offering Pakistan the Fifth Freedom Tariff Right, a significant effort on Iran’s part.
Rostam Ghasemi’s Statment:
Rostam Ghasemi, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran, expressed gratitude and honor to the Federal Minister of Commerce and Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, for hosting his delegation to discuss areas of collaboration and cooperation enhancement.
Ghasemi praised both sides of the delegation for their efforts in making this session a success. He also invited the Pakistani delegation to Tehran for the JEC’s 22nd session, which will take place next year. The Iranian Minister informed his counterpart that Iran is committed to further cooperation and relationship development.
He also mentioned that three MoUs were signed during the session in the fields of Maritime, Museum, and Information Broadcasting. Further, Ghasemi added that it will help strengthen cooperation between the two brotherly countries in these fields. Lastly, the ceremony concluded with the signing of MoUs by both nations.
