Islamabad: Iran has expressed interest in expanding trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan through the ports of Karachi and Gwadar. The interest was expressed by Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak while co-chairing along with Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan the 10th session of Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Iranian Minister emphasized that Iran places the highest priority on expanding comprehensive cooperation, particularly with the brotherly nation of Pakistan. He also noted that negotiations on the Iran-Pakistan free trade agreement are progressing well, expressing confidence that these discussions will conclude successfully in the near future.

Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan remarked on the importance of operationalizing joint border markets to bolster local livelihoods. He highlighted the trust between the private sectors in both Pakistan and Iran, stating they are ready to trade and emphasizing the duty to provide a seamless, structured, and predictable environment for them.

The Minister for Commerce further emphasized the need for finalizing roadmaps that would elevate the economic partnership between Pakistan and Iran to new heights.