Friday, July 8 2005 20:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Iran today (July 8, 2005) said the work on the multi-billion dollars Iran-India-Pakistan gas pipeline project could begin as early as next April.

After two days talks with his Pakistan counterpart after which the two countries signed an MOU yesterday (July 7, 2005), visiting Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh told reporters in Islamabad that all the paperwork by the three parties were expected to be completed early next year and the project could take off by next April.

Zangeneh and Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Amanullah Khan Jadoon signed an MOU, which would provide comprehensive data sheet about price, quality and quantity of gas that could be transmitted through the proposed pipeline.

"The two countries agreed to continue negotiations in terms of point of delivery, volume, price and transit fee," the MOU said. "The MOU also lays down the time table for the meetings at three levels -- ministers, deputy ministers and experts," the details released to the media here said.

"I am hopeful that by the end of next April we will sign a final document," Zangeneh said at a joint news conference with Jadoon.

Iran and Pakistan made headway in the project after Pakistan and India agreed to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) during the last month's visit Indian Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar during his last month visit.

The first meeting of the JWG would be held in New Delhi on July 11 in which Pakistan Petroleum Secretary Ahmed Waqar will take part.