ID :
49470
Sun, 03/08/2009 - 12:56
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http://m.oananews.org//node/49470
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Economist stresses need for Pak-Iran joint economic projects
Islamabad, March 8, IRNA -- Former finance Minister and senior economist Sartaj Aziz on Saturday stressed the need for joint economic projects between Iran and Pakistan to face the economic challenges.
Talking to IRNA, he said that generally Pak-Iran economic ties are fine but there is always room for the improvement. "The trade between the two countries should be promoted at advance level", he suggested.
Expressing his views on Iran-Pak relations, Sartaj Aziz said that the relations of both the countries are based on historical foundations and both have been enjoying friendly relations for so many years.
"The strong bilateral relations between both the countries are vital for the stability in the region", he said, adding that whenever there is difficult period both the countries have supported each other.
Sartaj Aziz said that there is lot of challenges being faced by both the countries and only through cooperation they could meet those challenges.
Commenting on the IPI gas pipeline project, he said that Pakistan is very keen on the project and the project will open more avenues of peace between Iran, Pakistan and India.
Sartaj Aziz said that Iran has surplus gas and in future there would be a shortage of natural gas in Pakistan and this project would be very helpful in overcoming that shortage.
He added that for so many years Iran, Pakistan and India had been negotiating on IPI gas pipeline project but the project has been delayed because of India.
Sartaj Aziz said that project would be more useful if India joins it. "Pakistan has been giving assurance to India about the security of the pipeline however India is reluctant to join the project", he viewed.
"Now Iran and Pakistan have decided that they would go with the project even if India does not join it which is a positive development", he added.
He was hopeful that the issue of fixation of the price of the gas would be solved as the oil prices have decreased in the international market, which could help in resolving the issue.
Sartaj Aziz said Iran's extra electricity could be very helpful for Pakistan in solving the problem of acute power shortage.
He added that Iran has also vowed to give 55 million dollars for the construction of 70 km transmission line, which is good sign for Pakistan. "Without power you cannot make progress in industrial sector", he said.
Sartaj Aziz stressed the need for the promotion of non-oil trade between Iran and Pakistan. "Trade should be increased at ECO level and bilateral level", he opined. He emphasized expanded economic cooperation amongst the ECO member states in order to beef up economies of the member countries.
Sartaj Aziz is a recognized development economist, obtained a Degree in Commerce from the Punjab University in 1949. In 1962, he proceeded to Harvard University (USA) where he earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration (Economic Development).
He was appointed as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister in October 1985, Minister of State for Food and Agriculture in January 1986, and Federal Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs from August 1990 to July 1993./end
Talking to IRNA, he said that generally Pak-Iran economic ties are fine but there is always room for the improvement. "The trade between the two countries should be promoted at advance level", he suggested.
Expressing his views on Iran-Pak relations, Sartaj Aziz said that the relations of both the countries are based on historical foundations and both have been enjoying friendly relations for so many years.
"The strong bilateral relations between both the countries are vital for the stability in the region", he said, adding that whenever there is difficult period both the countries have supported each other.
Sartaj Aziz said that there is lot of challenges being faced by both the countries and only through cooperation they could meet those challenges.
Commenting on the IPI gas pipeline project, he said that Pakistan is very keen on the project and the project will open more avenues of peace between Iran, Pakistan and India.
Sartaj Aziz said that Iran has surplus gas and in future there would be a shortage of natural gas in Pakistan and this project would be very helpful in overcoming that shortage.
He added that for so many years Iran, Pakistan and India had been negotiating on IPI gas pipeline project but the project has been delayed because of India.
Sartaj Aziz said that project would be more useful if India joins it. "Pakistan has been giving assurance to India about the security of the pipeline however India is reluctant to join the project", he viewed.
"Now Iran and Pakistan have decided that they would go with the project even if India does not join it which is a positive development", he added.
He was hopeful that the issue of fixation of the price of the gas would be solved as the oil prices have decreased in the international market, which could help in resolving the issue.
Sartaj Aziz said Iran's extra electricity could be very helpful for Pakistan in solving the problem of acute power shortage.
He added that Iran has also vowed to give 55 million dollars for the construction of 70 km transmission line, which is good sign for Pakistan. "Without power you cannot make progress in industrial sector", he said.
Sartaj Aziz stressed the need for the promotion of non-oil trade between Iran and Pakistan. "Trade should be increased at ECO level and bilateral level", he opined. He emphasized expanded economic cooperation amongst the ECO member states in order to beef up economies of the member countries.
Sartaj Aziz is a recognized development economist, obtained a Degree in Commerce from the Punjab University in 1949. In 1962, he proceeded to Harvard University (USA) where he earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration (Economic Development).
He was appointed as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister in October 1985, Minister of State for Food and Agriculture in January 1986, and Federal Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs from August 1990 to July 1993./end
