Pak Iran Business Ties Strengthen as Ghalibaf Eyes Fast Growth
Pak Iran business ties are set to grow stronger in the coming weeks. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed optimism after meetings in Karachi and Islamabad.
Speaking to Geo News after meeting Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Ghalibaf said both nations are on track for major progress. He highlighted upcoming diplomatic, political, and economic developments, adding that joint efforts are already showing results.
Earlier, at the Iran Pakistan Business Forum, he praised Pakistan’s support for Iran during recent global conflicts. “Pakistan’s wisdom will be remembered by the Iranian people,” Ghalibaf said warmly. He added that his visit was a gesture of gratitude toward Pakistan’s government and citizens.
Trade Targets and Cooperation
Ghalibaf announced a new trade goal of $10 billion within three years. He urged both sides to remove tariff barriers, improve trade zones, and promote barter trade. According to him, governments should facilitate trade, not interfere. He also encouraged the creation of working groups to solve financing challenges.
In addition, Ghalibaf suggested expanding cooperation through a tripartite trade model involving Iran, Pakistan, and China. He proposed using the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) framework to overcome payment issues and strengthen connectivity.
Iran’s ambassador, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, echoed his views. He said recent agreements signed during the Iranian president’s visit should now lead to concrete actions. “We are one spirit in two bodies,” he said, calling for solutions to remove trade barriers.
From Pakistan, TDAP Chief Executive Zubair Motiwala highlighted the current $3 billion trade volume and urged a review of the Preferential Trade Agreement. He called for measures to balance trade, restore trust, and find banking alternatives when needed.
Meanwhile, FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Magoon suggested setting up industrial zones near the border and easing access for Pakistani businesses in Iran. Business leaders from both countries emphasized faster customs clearance, digital documentation, and improved logistics.
During his visit, Ghalibaf also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. He described these discussions as fruitful and forward-looking.
