Pakistan and Iran have agreed to boost trade and connectivity by improving road, rail, and port infrastructure. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iran’s Minister of Industry, Seyed Mohammad Atabak. The meeting follows recent high-level visits and signals growing cooperation between the two countries. Both sides highlighted the importance of infrastructure in unlocking trade potential.
The Iranian minister noted that bilateral trade has improved since President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan. He emphasized the shared goal of reaching $10 billion in trade volume. Minister Jam Kamal welcomed Iran’s trust in Pakistan and said consistent bilateral meetings reflect a mutual desire for progress. He added that the upcoming Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting will help resolve trade barriers and boost commercial activities.
Currently, trade between the two countries has reached $3 billion. Both sides also discussed launching barter trade as a practical solution to banking and currency issues. Minister Kamal said that signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and activating border markets are crucial next steps. Finalizing a list of tradeable goods is also in progress.
The commerce minister noted a recent surge in Pakistani rice and meat exports to Iran. He credited this progress to the government’s support for the private sector. Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, Pakistan is encouraging businesses to expand cross-border trade. Kamal stressed that such growth will benefit both economies.
In August, Pakistan and Iran signed 12 agreements and MoUs covering trade, energy, transport, and culture. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties. With stronger infrastructure and cooperation, leaders believe the $10 billion trade target is well within reach.