ISLAMABAD/QUETTA: Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to removing obstacles hindering bilateral trade, describing joint efforts to facilitate commerce as the need of the hour and pledging to continue working together to strengthen economic ties between the two neighbouring Islamic countries.
The commitment was made during a high-level meeting held at the Headquarters of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by Iran’s Minister for Industry and Trade, Mohammad Atabak, senior officials of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and representatives of the Zahedan Chamber of Commerce.
The Pakistani side was led by FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, alongside office-bearers of the federation and representatives of various chambers of commerce. President of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Haji Muhammad Ayub Marriani, also participated in the meeting as a special guest.
The participants held detailed discussions on bilateral trade relations, reviewing the key challenges and bottlenecks affecting commercial activities between the two countries. They agreed that coordinated measures are essential to eliminate trade barriers and create a more business-friendly environment to facilitate cross-border commerce.
Marriani highlighted several issues related to bilateral and border trade, particularly the difficulties faced by commercial vehicles at the Taftan and BP-250 Gabd border gateways. He drew attention to the large number of cargo trucks stranded along border routes, the need to improve customs and immigration facilities, strengthen border infrastructure, and implement practical measures to promote trade. He stressed that effective coordination between the relevant authorities of Pakistan and Iran, improved border management, and enhanced trade facilitation would not only significantly increase bilateral trade volumes but also contribute to the economic development of border regions and strengthen the confidence of the business community.
