Pakistan and Iran are close to formally finalizing their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the agreement’s final draft is now under review by Pakistani authorities and is expected to be presented for official approval soon.
This development emerged during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, where both sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The meeting highlighted ongoing initiatives, trade agreements, and future opportunities to deepen economic ties between the two neighboring countries.
FTA Progress & Trade Cooperation
Jam Kamal Khan informed the ambassador that the Pakistan-Iran FTA—signed earlier in Islamabad—is currently undergoing internal assessment and will soon be submitted for formal approval.
The Iranian ambassador welcomed this progress and shared that flights between Quetta and Zahedan have been restored, enhancing people-to-people contact and trade.
He also highlighted the implementation of previous agreements under which Iran had agreed to import:
- 400,000 tons of rice
- 300,000 tons of meat
- 200,000 tons of maize
- 50,000 tons of animal feed
The ambassador confirmed that rice imports have been completed, and Iran is now ready to purchase maize and animal feed.
Strengthening Business and Trade Platforms
Jam Kamal invited Iranian companies and government institutions to participate in the upcoming FoodAg Exhibition at Karachi Expo Center scheduled for 25–27 November 2025.
He stressed that such platforms offer opportunities for Iranian and Pakistani businesses to collaborate in agriculture, food, trade, investment, and joint ventures.
The minister also proposed arranging high-level visits involving the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the Governor of Zahedan to promote cross-border trade and improve livelihoods in border areas.
Expanding Sectoral Cooperation
He suggested inviting Pakistan’s Ministers of Maritime Affairs, Railways, and Communications to Iran to explore cooperation in their respective sectors.
Jam Kamal highlighted that the positive engagement between Pakistan and Iran over the past year has delivered substantial progress in strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations.
He appreciated Iran’s acceptance of Pakistan’s amendments to the bartering mechanism under the SRO, which has facilitated smoother business operations.
Shared Vision & Next Steps
The minister underscored the leadership’s shared goal of achieving $10 billion in bilateral trade by 2028.
He also expressed satisfaction over the successful organization of the 22nd Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission, held in Tehran on 15–16 September 2025.
Jam Kamal reaffirmed that the Ministry of Commerce—along with domestic stakeholders such as FBR and the Ministry of Communications—is actively working to resolve challenges faced by Iranian trucks entering Pakistan.
He called for reactivating the Pakistan-Iran Joint Business Council to enhance B2B linkages between the two nations.
