Pakistan and Iran are nearing the final stage of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The final text of the deal is under internal review by Pakistani authorities and will be approved soon.
The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam. They discussed ways to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two neighbouring countries.
During the discussion, the commerce minister confirmed that the agreement was signed in Islamabad and is now ready for the approval process.
Progress and Opportunities
Ambassador Amiri welcomed the update. He also announced that flights between Quetta and Zahedan have resumed, improving connectivity and trade.
He noted that Iran has completed rice imports and is now ready to purchase animal feed and maize. Earlier, the two countries had agreed on the import of 400,000 tons of rice, 300,000 tons of meat, 200,000 tons of maize, and 50,000 tons of animal feed.
In addition, Jam Kamal invited Iranian companies to join the upcoming FoodAg Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Center from November 25–27, 2025. He said such events can help both sides explore new trade and investment opportunities in the agri-food sector.
The minister also proposed high-level visits, including those by the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the Governor of Zahedan, to promote cross-border collaboration. He suggested that Pakistani ministers from maritime, railways, and communications also visit Iran to explore mutual cooperation.
Jam Kamal highlighted the steady progress made in the past year. He praised the strengthened trade relations and thanked the ambassador for supporting Pakistan’s updates to the barter trade mechanism, which have eased business operations.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared vision of reaching US$10 billion in annual trade by 2028. They also expressed satisfaction over the 22nd Session of the Pak Iran Joint Economic Commission, held in Tehran in September 2025.
The minister emphasized resolving issues faced by Iranian trucks entering Pakistan and called for reactivating the Pakistan-Iran Joint Business Council. He also encouraged faster operationalisation of the Chegdi Kouhak and Gabd Reemdan border markets to promote local trade.
