Pakistan-Iran FTA Gains Momentum as Both Sides Advance $10bn Trade Goal
Islamabad and Tehran agree on key Free Trade Agreement modalities while expanding border trade and economic cooperation.
Pakistani and Iranian officials sign agreements on the Pakistan-Iran FTA after the JTC meeting in Islamabad.
Pakistan-Iran FTA Talks Gain Momentum
Progress on the proposed Pakistan-Iran FTA reached a major milestone after the conclusion of a three-day Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting in Islamabad. Officials finalised key technical discussions on rules of origin, tariff reduction, and product lists, laying the groundwork for an early Free Trade Agreement. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral commerce and achieving the long-term target of $10 billion in annual trade
The 10th Joint Trade Committee session was co-chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade, Mohammad Atabak. At the conclusion of the meeting, both ministers signed the agreed minutes, confirming progress on technical negotiations and future cooperation.
The discussions focused on finalising tariff reduction mechanisms, rules of origin, and product lists that will form the foundation of the proposed Pakistan-Iran FTA.
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Border Trade and Logistics to Improve
Pakistan and Iran agreed to strengthen trade facilitation by improving customs coordination, transport, logistics, and border infrastructure. The two sides also pledged to expand barter trade, encourage business-to-business partnerships, increase private-sector participation, and activate joint border markets.
Officials further agreed to keep border crossings operational around the clock to ensure the smooth movement of commercial cargo, particularly perishable goods.
Prime Minister Meets Iranian Delegation
A six-member Iranian delegation also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where both sides reviewed measures to enhance border trade and improve commercial connectivity.
The prime minister described Iran as a brotherly neighbour and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stronger economic ties under the Pakistan-Iran FTA framework. Iranian minister Mohammad Atabak appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional stability and solidarity with Iran.
Both governments pledged to maintain close coordination and implement the agreed decisions before the next Joint Trade Committee meeting.
