KARACHI: Calling for a new era of economic integration between Pakistan and Iran, Commercial Attache of Iran Murad Nemati has said the two countries must capitalise on their geographical proximity and strengthen joint ventures to turn bilateral relations into a long-term strategic economic partnership capable of reshaping regional trade and prosperity.
Addressing a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) during the visit of a trade delegation from Khorasan Razavi Province, Nemati expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for standing by Iran during difficult times. He said recent developments had reaffirmed the deep-rooted fraternal ties and mutual trust that have historically united the two neighbouring countries. “In challenging times, true friends are recognised, and Iran will never forget the solidarity extended by Pakistan,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, Nemati said Pakistan and Iran possess unique strategic advantages that could position them as gateways connecting South Asia, West Asia and East Asia. He noted that enhanced connectivity and economic integration would not only unlock new trade and investment opportunities but also contribute to greater peace, security and prosperity across the region.
Referring to challenges facing bilateral trade, including border issues, logistics constraints, customs procedures and infrastructure bottlenecks, Mr Nemati called for greater collaboration and a renewed framework to convert shared opportunities into sustainable economic gains. He particularly emphasised strengthening connectivity between Karachi, Gwadar, Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, along with improving infrastructure in border areas to facilitate smoother trade flows.
Underscoring the need for deeper industrial cooperation, he said joint ventures between Pakistani and Iranian businesses should be given the highest priority. He pointed out that Pakistan’s preferential market access under the GSP Plus scheme, combined with improved infrastructure on the Iranian side and growing Chinese investment in the region, created significant opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships capable of generating long-term economic dividends.
He further called for closer cooperation between chambers of commerce and urged the business communities of both countries to intensify the exchange of trade delegations and institutional engagement. Stressing that commercial relations transcend political developments, Nemati said strong business-to-business linkages were essential for building lasting and resilient ties between neighbouring nations.
Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment, he expressed optimism that economic engagement between Pakistan and Iran would enter a new phase of growth and pledged continued cooperation with the KCCI and other stakeholders to unlock the vast untapped potential between the two countries.
Acting President of KCCI Muhammad Raza said prevailing regional and global circumstances had made it imperative for Pakistan and Iran to move beyond traditional trading arrangements and develop strategic partnerships capable of unlocking significant untapped economic potential between the two neighbours.
He described the visit of the Iranian delegation as a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship and centuries-old cultural, religious and historical ties between Pakistan and Iran, adding that stronger economic engagement had become more important than ever.
