ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam on Friday to discuss measures for expanding trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
The meeting reviewed progress on recent agreements, trade facilitation measures, and ongoing initiatives to enhance economic engagement between the two neighbours. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the $10 billion annual trade target set for 2028.
The commerce minister congratulated the Iranian ambassador on the successful 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission and invited Iranian companies to participate in the FoodAg exhibition scheduled in Karachi from November 25 to 27. He said the platform would help businesses from both countries explore opportunities in the agri-food and value-added sectors.
Discussions also focused on facilitating cross-border trade through high-level exchanges between the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the Governor of Zahedan. The minister proposed inviting Pakistani officials from maritime, railways, and communications ministries to Iran to identify new areas of cooperation.
The Iranian ambassador highlighted that earlier agreements covering the import of rice, meat, maize, and animal feed were progressing, with rice shipments completed and Iran now preparing to import maize and feedstock. He welcomed Pakistan’s amendments to the barter trade mechanism that simplified cross-border business transactions.
The minister said the text of the Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement, signed in Islamabad, was under final review before formal approval. He added that Pakistan was working with the Federal Board of Revenue and the Ministry of Communications to resolve issues faced by Iranian trucks at border crossings.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the reopening of the Mand-Pishin border market and called for expediting the operationalization of the remaining two joint markets at Chegdi-Kouhak and Gabd-Reemdan. They also discussed ways to reduce non-tariff barriers and strengthen coordination between quarantine and plant protection agencies.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Pakistan and Iran’s commitment to enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and connectivity, in line with the shared goal of stronger regional economic integration.
