Pakistan, Iran set $8bn annual trade target amid growing border cooperation

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance bilateral trade to $8 billion annually, following high-level talks between Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Iranian Minister Mohammad Atabak, reported 24NewsHD TV on Sunday.

During the meeting, both sides emphasised the urgency of accelerating economic ties, especially given the geographic proximity between the two neighbouring countries.

"It’s time to turn geographic closeness into economic benefit," said Jam Kamal, stressing the need for fast-paced progress in trade cooperation.

Focus on trust, regional connectivity, and cultural ties:

The ministers agreed to boost border cooperation and speed up the next session of the Joint Economic Commission, fostering confidence among traders on both sides.

“Trade is not just business—it’s a symbol of people-to-people connection,” said Jam Kamal, while the Iranian minister highlighted the “positive trust” between traders.

Both sides stressed the vital role of regional trade, underscoring that neighbourly relations must be translated into economic collaboration.

Key agreements and areas of focus:

Trade corridor optimisation and border infrastructure improvement, exchange of trade delegations, boosting Pakistan’s exports to Iran, cooperation in agriculture, livestock, energy, and logistics, plans to promote Pakistani IT and professional services in Iran, and strengthening of historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between the people of both nations

Symbol of brotherhood and regional stability:

Describing the bilateral relationship as “fraternal and deeply rooted”, both ministers emphasised that closer trade cooperation would further strengthen regional peace and stability.

“Pakistan and Iran’s friendship is a manifestation of trade, culture, and brotherhood,” said Jam Kamal.

The meeting signals a new era of regional economic integration, with the potential for expanding Pakistan-Iran cooperation across multiple sectors.

Iran, Pakistan to modernize transport links

In a high-level meeting between Iranian Minister for Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh and senior Pakistani federal ministers, the two sides agreed to form joint working groups aimed at boosting connectivity, transport, and trade between the neighbouring nations.

The meeting included Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the Iranian president and delegation, extending congratulations on Iran's firm stance against Israeli aggression. He remarked that Iran’s achievements are a source of pride for the Islamic world and emphasised the deep-rooted solidarity between the two countries.

“This is a golden opportunity to further strengthen our bilateral relations,” said Abdul Aleem Khan while inviting Minister Farzaneh Sadegh to attend the upcoming ministerial conference on October 23–24.

Farzaneh Sadegh expressed gratitude to Pakistan for supporting Iran, particularly against Israeli hostilities, and highlighted the need to enhance vehicle movement between the two countries.

She noted that modernisation of the Zahidan–Quetta route and increased cooperation via Gwadar and Chabahar corridors could significantly strengthen regional logistics.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan briefed the delegation on expanding bilateral trade, stating:

“Both nations can become effective trade markets for each other.”

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi added that Pakistan plans to upgrade the railway track to Zahedan and revisit the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul rail project.

The dialogue covered the areas including the creation of joint task forces, upgrading cross-border infrastructure, equal facilities on both sides and enhancing land, air, and sea connectivity.

Reporter: Waqas Azeem and Tayyab Saif