Welcoming the inauguration of the Pakistan-Iran border market, Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) leader Ejaz Tanveer has suggested the relaunch of a cargo train linking Pakistan, Iran and Turkey to reap the maximum benefit of formal trade between the three countries.
“A successful experience has already been done in the near past and should be initiated on a permanent basis, which can lead to increased trade between the three countries by providing a faster, more cost-effective and more reliable transportation option for goods,” he said in a press statement issued on Tuesday, Dawn reported.
This could increase economic growth and job creation, as Turkey is the gateway to Europe while a cargo train can travel to Europe in just 15 days via Turkey.
He said Pakistan should take advantage of this strategic location of Turkey and introduce a more reliable and safe transportation mode for cargo.
Tanveer said it could diversify Pakistan’s trade routes and reduce the country’s reliance on sea and air transportation, which can be affected by geopolitical tensions and other risks. The cargo train project could also boost Pakistan’s logistics industry by creating new opportunities for logistics providers, freight forwarders and other businesses involved in the transportation of goods, he added.
