Iran, Pakistan open new border crossing point to bolster trade, tourism

With an intention to boost economic and trade exchanges, Pakistan has opened a new border crossing point with Iran on Wednesday.

The Pishin-Mand border was officially inaugurated on Wednesday is the third crossing point between the two states, after Taftan and Gabd gateways.

Rimadan-Gabd border gateway was officially thrown open in December last year while the Taftan border has been operational for decades.

Located in Balochistan province near the Gwadar port, the Mand crossing point is suitably located to facilitate not only trade but also help reduce pressure in handling thousands of Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iran.

Zubaida Jalal, Minister for Defence Production hailed the crossing opening as a "historic day" for the two countries.

"It will prove to be a milestone in providing employment and trade benefits to Pakistan, particularly for the people of Balochistan," she said, adding that the border gateways will also promote tourism in the area.

The ceremony was attended also by the Iranian Minister for Road and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is currently in Iran on a three-day official visit to review bilateral relations and hold discussions on further deepening ties with Tehran in diverse fields.

Currently, bilateral trade stands at $359 million with Pakistan's exports to Iran amounting to $36 million, and imports worth $323 million.