Proposal to revive cargo train with Iran, Turkiye

In response to the opening of the Pakistan-Iran border market, Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) head Ejaz Tanveer has proposed re-launching a cargo train between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey to maximize the benefits of legitimate trade between the three nations.

"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 these three countries by providing a faster, more cost-effective, and more reliable transportation option for goods," he said in a press release released on Tuesday.

As Turkiye is the entrance to Europe, this might lead to significant economic growth and employment creation, as a cargo train can go to Europe in about 15 days via Turkiye. He believes Pakistan could capitalise on Turkiye's strategic location by introducing a more dependable and secure route of cargo transportation.

He believes it has the potential to diversify Pakistan's economic channels, lessening the country's reliance on sea and air transit, both of which can be affected by geopolitical tensions and other concerns.

He noted that the goods train project might help Pakistan's logistics industry by opening up new prospects for logistics providers, freight forwarders, and other enterprises involved in the movement of products.