Tehran-Islamabad non-oil trade hits $718m in 10 months

TEHRAN,Feb.17(MNA) - The value of non-oil trade between Iran and Pakistan hit $718 million in the first 10 months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2012-Janauary 19, 2013). The amount showed 11.6 percent rise compared to the same period in the previous year. Iran’s and Pakistan’s shares of the bilateral trade were $533 million and $165 million, respectively. According to Pakistani Senior Minister for Commerce, Makhdoom Amin Fahimtrade, trade between Iran and Pakistan peaked to $1.32 billion in 2008-2009 but subsequently declined to $1.16 billion in 2009-2010 and further to $734.94 million 2010-11. Pakistan major items of exports of Iran include rice ($75.11 million), meat and meat preparations ($11.80 million), agricultural products ($6.96 million excluding rice and fruits, non value added textiles ($1.80 million). Major items of import included petroleum products; however Pakistan’s imports from Iran have decreased from $653.06 million in 2009 to $36.61 million in 2011. Other products include organic chemical $75.60 million, plastics ($65.37 million), iron ores and concentrates ($38.17 million), and steel ($32.29 million).