ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran are holding high-level talks in Islamabad today, Tuesday, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, as officials from both countries meet for the 10th Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee (JTC).
The meeting, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iran’s Minister for Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak, is expected to review progress on bilateral trade initiatives and discuss ways to expand economic cooperation, including advancing a proposed free trade agreement.
Pakistan and Iran agreed last year to raise bilateral trade to $10 billion through closer economic cooperation, expanded border trade and new investment initiatives. Despite growing political engagement, trade between the two neighbors has remained well below that target because of security challenges, banking constraints and underdeveloped transport links.
The Pakistani commerce ministry said a 22-member Iranian official delegation and a 16-member business delegation led by the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) were participating in Tuesday’s meeting.
“The business delegation represents key sectors including food, agribusiness, logistics, shipping, transportation, energy and manufacturing, providing an opportunity to enhance private-sector engagement and business linkages,” Pakistan’s commerce ministry said.
“The Joint Trade Committee will review progress on bilateral trade initiatives and discuss measures to advance the Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA), facilitate cross-border trade, strengthen customs and banking cooperation, improve transport and transit connectivity, and expand investment and commercial collaboration.”
The meeting comes as Islamabad and Tehran continue to deepen ties following a series of high-level engagements over the past year. Pakistan has also sought to leverage its close relations with both Iran and the United States to encourage dialogue after months of regional tensions, while continuing to expand economic cooperation with Tehran.
Senior officials from both countries are participating in Tuesday’s talks, which the commerce ministry said reflect a shared commitment to strengthening economic partnership, enhancing regional connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
