LAHORE, Nov 13: An early establishment of PakistanIran Corridor through Zahedan and Quetta will not only create thousands of new jobs for people of Balochistan but will also bring about considerable infrastructure-related development there.

This was stated by Iranian Consul-General Muhammad Banni Asadi during a meeting with the office-bearers of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday.

`At a time when Iran and India are doing a business of more than $15 billion, the volume of two-way trade between Pakistan and Iran is negligible. The volume of mutual trade between Pakistan and Iran does not match their respective potentials,` said the Iranian consul-general.

Pakistan and Iran have thepotential to cater to each other`s needs provided the businessmen have the exposure to the available opportunities.

The business community in the two countries would have to increase interaction to share their experiences in the larger interests of the people of two brotherly nations. He said the chambers of commerce in the two countries would have to focus on expansion of trade by holding single-country exhibitions and through trade delegations to each other`s country.

Dissemination of sector-specific and trade-related information would go a long way in achieving the goal. Both the countries should share their experiences in the filed of science and technology also.

Mr Asadi said that agriculture, tourism and metal industry of Iran have opportunitiesof investment and Pakistani business community should come forward.

Earlier, LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari reassured the Iranian consul general that the Lahore chamber would continue to play its role for increasing bilateral trade and economic relations.

Priority should be given to each other for import of goods rather than buying from distant countries. Collaboration in SMEs and mega projects like onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration activities, hydel and coal-based energy projects, paper and board, sugar, cement, chemicals, transport & communication, construction of roads in Pakistan, scientific & educational cooperation, handicrafts, artificial jewellery, carpets, fancy furniture etc.