Iran, Pakistan sign MoU on joint border trade

Zahedan, August 21, IRNA - A cooperation MoU on joint border trade between Iran's Sistan-va-Baluchestan Province and Pakistan's Balochistan Province was signed following conclusion of the third round of talks here on Thursday. At the end of two days of discussions, Balochistan Customs Governor Saeed Khan Jadoon told IRNA the MoU foresees facilitating visa issuance for businessmen and drivers in one day. He said Iranian side has suggested increasing the number of border trade points from five to ten which Pakistan will study and announce its decision in coming months. On border trade incentives and improving preferred tarrifs, he added, both sides reached common viewpoints such as discounts for border residents. Jadoon said Iran-Pakistan train service has been active since two months ago after four years, and it was agreed that it will travel once a week to reduce freight costs to Central Asian countries. Both sides also agreed on launching direct flight between Mashad and Quetta in the near future, he added. Nader Mirshekar, head of the Iranian delegation, also told IRNA that among other items, both sides discussed joint investment in textiles industry.