Pakistan-Iran Forge Ahead: Aiming for $10 Billion Trade

Pakistan and Iran have committed to dramatically boosting their bilateral trade from the current $3 billion to an ambitious $10 billion each year. This agreement was solidified after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks and signed 12 strategic agreements.

The agreements encompass sectors such as trade, agriculture, science, and technology. Both leaders emphasized the importance of these moves in suppressing militancy along their shared border, showing a unified front on both economic and security issues.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan's discussions with Iranian Minister Mohammad Atabak highlighted removing trade barriers and creating trust-based partnerships. They propose targeted trade missions to maximize regional trade benefits, exemplified by ASEAN's success. This coalition may pave the way for wider regional economic integration involving Turkey, Central Asia, and beyond.

(With inputs from agencies.)