Iran agrees to consider being part of CPEC

[Devil Soul]

Iran agrees to consider being part of CPEC
By Peer Muhammad
Published: September 2, 2015

Pakistan proposed concessionary fares between Zahedan and Quetta by the time freight traffic picks up pace. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to consider linking the latter with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in an effort to strengthen border markets and upgrade road and railway networks.

“Pakistan has invited Iran to become part of the CPEC and help strengthen border markets, upgrade railways, build warehouses and open/upgrade border crossing points,” said a senior officer in the Ministry of Commerce while talking to The Express Tribune.

During a meeting of the Pak-Iran Joint Working Group and Technical Committee on Trade, in the last week of August, the two sides discussed trade and investment-related issues and how to frame a five-year strategic plan to enhance bilateral trade.

Read: Iran not against CPEC, Gwadar port: Javad Zarif

They met in the backdrop of possible lifting of sanctions from Iran by the international community.

They agreed on the need of implementing the bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), including promotion of transparency and establishment of a mechanism that issues prior notification.

Expected freight train operations also came up for review and the Iranian side was reminded that in the Zaheden meeting in May this year, Pakistan had stressed the need for beginning the services on a regular basis.

In the subsequent meeting on August 19 and 20, both sides agreed to offer freight train services on the 1st and 15th of each month, subject to availability of cargo.

Pakistan proposed concessionary fares between Zahedan and Quetta by the time freight traffic picks up pace.

It was suggested that representatives from the respective ministries, responsible for agricultural matters, should participate in meetings of the Joint Working Group on Trade to facilitate decision-making regarding trade in agro-products.

“The Iranian delegation will convey all proposals and suggestions to the authorities concerned in their country and inform about the decisions later,” said the official in the Ministry of Commerce.

Read: Iran’s strategic port offer to help India bypass Pakistan

He added Iran was also interested in linking itself with the CPEC to expand its border markets with regional countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2015.

 

[Devil Soul]

So after UK I really hope Iran also joins..

 

[Areesh]

Very good news. More regional countries should be linked with CPEC. This would ensure greater regional cooperation and stability. Good for Pakistan.

 

[Shotgunner51]

Good news!

@2800 @Serpentine @haman10

 

[Aramagedon]

Good news!

@2800 @Serpentine @haman10

Very good news bro.

 

[Pakistanisage]

Pakistan should explore all Avenues of Cooperation with Iran and Turkey , including Trade Pacts as well as Military Pacts. Once the sanctions against Iran are lifted completely, there should be no stopping us.

 

[Green Angel]

Excellent News ...........

 

[haman10]

Iran is never an obstacle on the way of the region's prosperity .

we never prevent a Good deal from happening and our signature is always on the paper waiting for other parties to join in .

I hope India and Pakistan can stop acting like 12 yr old b!tches and work out their differences cause we've received enough damage on our end because of this shyte stupid rivalry .

 

[saiyan0321]

Good. Iran can gain alot from cpec and it can be part of the economic corridor which will help its economy. It's great to see that other nations are also contemplating in joining cpec. The wider and larger it becomes in scale the greater its benefits will become.

 

[volatile]

Should link Afghanistan with this as well

 

[Jaanbaz]

I hope India and Pakistan can stop acting like 12 yr old b!tches and work out their differences cause we've received enough damage on our end because of this shyte stupid rivalry

That will take another 100 years.

 

[Serpentine]

That's a great news, hope it's not just words.

 

[hunter_hunted]

Iran is never an obstacle on the way of the region's prosperity .

we never prevent a Good deal from happening and our signature is always on the paper waiting for other parties to join in .

I hope India and Pakistan can stop acting like 12 yr old b!tches and work out their differences cause we've received enough damage on our end because of this shyte stupid rivalry .

I hope you can say the same about iran and saudi arabia

 

[Sipahi]

Pakistan should explore all Avenues of Cooperation with Iran and Turkey , including Trade Pacts as well as Military Pacts. Once the sanctions against Iran are lifted completely, there should be no stopping us.

ECO is already available for the same purpose except military...

 

[FunkyGen]

Iran is never an obstacle on the way of the region's prosperity .

we never prevent a Good deal from happening and our signature is always on the paper waiting for other parties to join in .

I hope India and Pakistan can stop acting like 12 yr old b!tches and work out their differences cause we've received enough damage on our end because of this shyte stupid rivalry .

Same could be said about iran saudi rivalry but you'd prolly find that offensive, no?