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Summary
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said Islamabad Tehran Istanbul container train service would lead to enhanced regional cooperation among the ECO member states. Speaking at the inauguration of ECO demonstration container train which will traverse Pakistan, Iran and Turkey, said this will be a meaningful interaction for the socio economic progress and prosperity of the people of the region. He hoped that the demonstration run would establish not only international freight services on competitive basis but will also subsequently provide for passenger movement by trains. He said the train link will also boost the tourism industry of the ECO member countries. The train on its maiden journey from Islamabad railway station is carrying 20 containers, 14 of which will be off loaded in Tehran while six in Istanbul. Prime Minister said the success of the project would be a landmark achievement in improving our national economies. He said it will open trade corridor between south and central Asia on the one hand and with Europe on the other. There are also some operational obstacles which will be resolved over time, he added. He also lauded efforts of ECO Secretariat in making the dream come true are. He said Pakistan Railways has undertaken rehabilitation of the main railway line including Quetta Taftan section for which feasibility study has been completed.
