ISLAMABAD, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and agreed to facilitate border commerce, improve logistics and streamline customs procedures.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a six-member Iranian delegation led by Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Seyyed Mohammad Atabek in Islamabad.
Sharif said Pakistan highly values its relations with Iran and expressed hope that sustained efforts will help the two countries achieve their leadership-set target of 10 billion U.S. dollars in bilateral trade.
The prime minister said greater trade in food, agricultural commodities and products would benefit both countries, while stressing Pakistan's continued efforts to promote peace in the region.
The two sides agreed to enhance facilities for border trade and keep border crossings open around the clock. They also agreed to expand cooperation in mining, particularly the processing and value addition of precious stones.
Atabek said Iran hopes to further expand economic and trade ties with Pakistan, adding that technical-level negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries are ongoing. ■
