Pakistani agricultural commodities especially rice, kinnow, potato and mango are in high demand in Iranian markets thus offering huge potential to increase exports of these commodities manifold between the two neighbouring countries. The Punjab government is taking many steps for enhancing the bilateral trade especially export of agricultural commodities to Iran which include steps to save these commodities from pests and different diseases in line with the international standards.This was disclosed by the Punjab Minister for Agriculture Dr Farrukh Javed while addressing 'Rice Exporters Conference' held here on Thursday. The conference was also participated by a 14-member Iranian trade delegation and Iranian Consul General to Lahore Agha Bani Asadi. The Iranian delegation includes Iranian members of the parliament Dr Fatahi, Dr Abidi and Dr Tameeni, rice importers and agricultural experts while conference was also attended by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) members including Pir Nazam Hussain Shah. Rice Research Institute (RRI) Kala Shah Kaku Director Dr Akhtar, Dr Ashfaq and Deputy Food Commissioner Dr Waseem also participated in the conference.
The Punjab Minister said both Iran and Pakistan were enjoying brotherly relations and also gave importance to increasing bilateral trade. He said that Iranian agricultural experts were welcomed in the fields and orchards of Punjab province to explore the potential of enhancing trade of agricultural commodities. Dr Farrukh Javed stressed the need for installing quarantine set-up at Pak-Iran border to allow agricultural commodities import and export after proper inspection according to hygiene principles.
He said only healthy citizen could play their role in the development and progress of the country and bringing agricultural production in line with principles of health we could not only meet food requirements but also promote a healthy society. Iranian Consul General Agha Bani Asadi speaking on this occasion said that he is advocate of strong and durable relations with Pakistan and trade of agricultural commodities could play an important role in strengthening brotherhood bond between the two nations. Members of the Iranian Parliament speaking on this occasion expressed their pleasure on visiting Lahore and said they enjoyed Pakistani hospitality a lot. Iranian delegation is on a three-day visit to Pakistan during which they met government representatives, exporters and also visited different rice mills and allied industrial wings.
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