Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral trade with Iran, identifying agriculture as a vital area of mutual interest.
The resolve was expressed in a meeting with Governor of Qom Province Akbar Behnamjou in Iran today.
The Minister emphasized the potential of agriculture to act as a cornerstone for food security and economic integration between the two nations and highlighted capacity of Pakistan to supply high-quality rice, mangoes, halal meat, and maize. He underlined Pakistan’s readiness to share its proven expertise in key areas including rice, wheat, mango, citrus and to also learn from Iran’s strengths in saffron, pistachios, and dry fruits, pointing toward a mutually enriching partnership.
Iran agreed to source a substantial share of its rice imports, resolve issues affecting mango export permits and foreign exchange allocations, and import large volumes of maize and meat, targeting Pakistan as a principal supplier for about sixty of its meat imports. Rana Tanveer Hussain welcomed Iran’s commitment to significantly increasing reliance on Pakistani agricultural exports.
Both leaders agreed to enhance customs procedures, improving SPS protocols, and bolstering trade infrastructure like cold chains and warehousing which is essential for maintaining the quality and efficiency of agricultural exports and imports.
On this occasion, the Minister extended an invitation to Governor Behnamjou and relevant agricultural officials for a reciprocal visit to Pakistan. Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that people-to-people and institutional exchanges would further strengthen this newly energized partnership.