ID :
116237
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 14:09
Auther :

Iran keen to supply 1,000MW electricity to Pakistan

Islamabad, April 12, IRNA - Iran is fervent to endow 1,000 MW of electricity to Pakistan on very discounted rates to overcome the prevailing energy crisis in that country, Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Mashallah Shakeri has said.

He made the remarks while talking to a business community during his visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

Shakeri referred to Pakistan as an Islamic brother and neighbouring states of Iran.

He stressed that Tehran was keen to enhance its bilateral trade relations with Islamabad.

Noting that the present trade volume between the two Islamic countries stood just above one billion dollar, the ambassador stressed the need for enhancing the trade volume between two capitals.

Referring to Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, the ambassador said that Iran has done her job by spreading 1,000 km of pipeline on its soil and now it was up to Pakistan.

“Iran is fully aware of the problems currently facing Pakistan and our prime goal is to bring Pakistan out of the prevailing crisis”, Shakeri added.

He noted that Tehran was presently working on a project to generate 39MW electricity in its Sistan-Balochestan Province and another 100MW electricity project for Gowaddar region.

Referring to the presence of Pakistani products in the Iranian market, Shakeri said that Pakistan's Mango, Kinno, rice, meat and vegetables were highly demanded by Iranians.

Pakistan has also made a remarkable progress in telecommunication sector and Iran could take Pakistan’s help in this regard, he added.

Iran always wanted to see Pakistan as a self-sufficient state in the field of economic activities, said the ambassador.

He added, “After India’s separation from the IPI gas project Iran still covet to provide gas and electricity on cheaper rates; just to make Pakistan economically strong.”

RCCI President Kashif Shabbir thanked the ambassador for visiting RCCI and stressed that trade relation between the two countries must be strengthen.

He also ensured Shakeri that Pakistan's public sector would support the country's projects with Iran including those in the fields of gas & electricity.

He also invited his Iranian counterparts to visit the chamber to further boost bilateral relations./end

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