Iran seeks to boost barter trade with Pakistan

TEHRAN,July 17(MNA) - There are no obstacles for Iran to expand its barter trade, especially with Pakistan, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said during a meeting with a visiting Pakistani delegation in Tehran on Sunday. He said Iran imports some 80 billion dollars worth of goods each year, and is willing to boost its imports from Pakistan. President Ahmadinejad further stated that Iran is ready to export energy and products to Pakistan, while at the same time sharing scientific and technological expertise with the Muslim nation. The Pakistani delegation stressed that Islamabad seeks the promotion of ties and cooperation with Iran within a defined regional framework, and appreciates Tehran’s assistance in this regard. Iran and Pakistan have the potential to boost their bilateral trade to $10 billion annually from the current level of around $1 billion, Iranian ambassador to Pakistan Alireza Haqiqian said in May.