Publish Date: 6 September 2021 - 16:39

Islamabad, IRNA – Industrialists and business activists in Pakistan highlighting the importance of Iranian market have stressed the need to expand economic exchanges between the two countries for mutually beneficial long-term business relations.

The views were expressed during the visit of Mohammad Reza Nazeri, Consul General of Iran in Lahore, to Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During this visit, a meeting of industrialist in Sialkot city, business activists and members of its chamber of commerce was held and the participants presented their plans and proposals regarding the interaction between Iranian and Pakistani businessmen.

The Consul General explained the general policies of the 13th government to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries, especially in economic relations, especially with Pakistan as an eastern neighbor with a significant population and other commonalities and parameters that are among the priorities of the Islamic Republic.

Referring to the importance of Iran's geographical location and access to the markets of Central Asia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Iraq and the countries bordering the southern Persian Gulf, he added: "Pakistani businessmen can invest in Iran's special industrial zones Such as Sarakhs, Aras, Arvandrud economic zones."

Nazeri stressed that in this regard, the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for any cooperation with the Pakistani business community in order to expand bilateral trade relations and exchange trade delegations.

Mr. Khuram Aslam, Senior Vice President, Mr. Ansar Aziz Puri, Vice President and Executive Committee Members of SCCI warmly welcomed the Consul General.

During the session, various windows of opportunities were explored especially B2B Linkages between the two brotherly Islamic Countries; sharing religious, cultural, and socio-political heritage.

Mr. Qaisar Iqbal Baryar, President, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce highlighted the necessary yet practical measures to effectively promote bilateral trade; utilizing various functional channels between the two countries for mutually beneficial long-term business relations.

The industrial city of Sialkot in Pakistan has the highest per capita income among the cities of Pakistan after Karachi.

Pakistan is one of the largest exporters of soccer balls in the world and 75% of this production volume, which is equivalent to 60% of the total production of soccer balls of the world, is done in Sialkot.

Sialkot, located in the northeastern province of Punjab in the foothills of the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir near the Chenab River. The city is known as the birthplace of Allamah Iqbal Lahori and a city where world-famous sports brands are produced and exported.

Sialkot has a population of about one million and is the third largest economic center in Punjab, Pakistan, after Lahore and Faisalabad.

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