TEHRAN: Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has expressed the confidence that Pakistan and Iran can take the regional economy to new heights through closer bilateral cooperation.
He shared these views while addressing the Pak-Iran Business Forum held in Tehran, according to a statement issued by the commerce ministry on Tuesday.
Jam Kamal Khan extended his gratitude to the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzana Farzaneh Sadegh, for her warm hospitality, noting that the activation of border markets — including the Mand-Pishin sustenance market — will directly benefit the people of both nations.
He extended a special invitation to Iranian companies to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Agriculture Expo, scheduled for November, highlighting the rich investment opportunities available under Pakistan’s five-year “Uraan Pakistan” development programme.
Emphasising the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Iran, the Minister stated, “Our historic ties will now be transformed into economic milestones.”
In her remarks, Iranian Minister Farzaneh Sadegh echoed the sentiment, stating that the economies of Pakistan and Iran have the potential to become a hub for regional development.
She expressed a strong interest in collaborative ventures, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, engineered products, and ceramics, and reaffirmed the commitment to achieving the $10 billion bilateral trade target in the near future.
Minister Farzana also conveyed heartfelt condolences over the recent flood-related loss of lives in Pakistan.
At the forum, both Pakistan and Iran agreed to increase bilateral trade, remove customs and tariff barriers, and promote technical cooperation.
The two countries also discussed establishing joint economic zones, increasing cooperation in the agricultural sector, and opening new areas of trade and investment.
Khan arrived in Tehran on a three-day visit to the country on Sunday. Pakistan and Iran plan to increase their bilateral trade to $10 billion from the existing figure of around $3 billion.
Pakistan and Iran have renewed their push to enhance bilateral trade in recent months. The two countries exchanged 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding for bilateral cooperation in diverse fields during Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan last month.
