Iran has expressed its interest in expanding trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan through the ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
According to Radio Pakistan, the 10th session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee was held in Islamabad and jointly chaired by Iranian Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad Atabak and Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.
Addressing the meeting, Atabak said that Iran attached great importance to strengthening economic relations with Pakistan and wanted to expand bilateral cooperation further.
He stated that negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries were progressing positively and expressed hope that the deal would be finalised in the near future.
The Iranian minister also highlighted the importance of Karachi and Gwadar ports in promoting trade and economic connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said that activating joint border markets was essential for creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth in border regions.
He added that the private sectors of both countries had confidence in one another and that governments should create a transparent, reliable and business-friendly environment for traders.
Jam Kamal Khan also stressed the need to formulate a practical roadmap to strengthen economic cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
The meeting took place nearly two weeks after Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni’s visit to Pakistan, during which both countries agreed to enhance railway cooperation and cross-border connectivity.
