Iran has expressed interest in expanding trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan by strengthening connectivity through the ports of Karachi and Gwadar.

The commitment was voiced by Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, Mohammad Atabak, during the 10th session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee in Islamabad, which he co-chaired with Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.

Atabak said Iran places the highest priority on expanding comprehensive cooperation with Pakistan, describing it as a brotherly nation.

He said negotiations on the proposed Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were progressing steadily and expressed confidence that the talks would conclude successfully in the near future.

Speaking at the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan stressed the importance of operationalising joint border markets to boost trade and improve livelihoods in border regions.

He said the private sectors of both countries have confidence in each other and are ready to expand trade, adding that governments must provide a seamless, structured and predictable business environment.

The commerce minister also underscored the need to finalise practical roadmaps to elevate economic partnership between Pakistan and Iran to a new level.