Iran Eyes Expanded Trade Through Karachi, Gwadar Ports as Pakistan Pushes $10 Billion Trade Goal
By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
ISLAMABAD: Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Pakistan, expressing interest in increasing trade through the strategic ports of Karachi and Gwadar during high-level talks in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The commitment came during the 10th Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee meeting, co-chaired by Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iran's Minister for Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak.
Atabak said Iran places the highest priority on strengthening comprehensive cooperation with Pakistan and highlighted the steady progress in negotiations on the proposed Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He expressed confidence that the agreement could be finalized in the near future, opening new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Jam Kamal Khan stressed that operationalizing joint border markets is essential for improving livelihoods and accelerating bilateral commerce. He noted that businesses in Pakistan and Iran are ready to expand trade and called for a predictable, business-friendly environment supported by both governments.
The meeting follows recent efforts to strengthen regional connectivity, including discussions on reviving the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service and expanding railway cooperation during the visit of Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to Pakistan last month.
Pakistan has also introduced six designated transit routes for goods destined for Iran under a bank guarantee mechanism, while both countries continue implementing agreements signed last year to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, expand electricity cooperation, and improve communication.
These initiatives support the shared objective of increasing Pakistan-Iran bilateral trade to $10 billion, with Karachi and Gwadar expected to play a central role in future regional trade and logistics.
Why it matters: Stronger Pakistan-Iran trade links could boost regional connectivity, increase investment, improve border commerce, and enhance the economic importance of Karachi and Gwadar as key trade gateways.
Published on Chatzyr.net
Written By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
Disclaimer: This report is based on information obtained from credible and publicly available sources at the time of publication. Details may evolve as further official confirmations and investigations emerge.
