- Ambassador Moghaddam says Pakistan, Iran transforming security borders into trade corridors to boost regional integration
- Terms Gwadar and Chahbahar complementary ports, eyes $10b bilateral trade through new connectivity projects
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, has said that Pakistan and Iran occupy a central position in the emerging geo-economic order where connectivity corridors are redefining regional relations, transforming traditional security frontiers into dynamic trade and development gateways.
Delivering the keynote address at a forum titled “Pakistan-Iran Connectivity: For Two Countries and Two Continents” organized by the Centre of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) in collaboration with Pakistan in the World media group, the ambassador said both countries are natural partners in promoting regional integration and global economic participation through multi-dimensional connectivity projects, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported on Sunday.
“In the new regional geo-economic shift, our security boundaries have become trade borders. Pakistan and Iran are key partners that can link continents through connectivity corridors,” Dr. Moghaddam observed. “Those who command access to these corridors will shape the future of regional and global economic power.”
He emphasized that economic cooperation is an essential component of security and defence, adding that “promotion of trade and business is a must for peace and stability.” Iran, he said, provides Pakistan access to Turkiye, Azerbaijan and further to Europe and Eurasia, while Pakistan offers a crucial connection to China and South Asia, the APP said.
The ambassador reiterated that Chahbahar Port is not a rival to Gwadar, but a complementary facility that can jointly promote trade and regional growth. “Portraying Chahbahar as a competitor to Gwadar is a misconception based on propaganda by those unfamiliar with the fundamentals of geopolitics and mega-economics,” he remarked.
Dr. Moghaddam said that Iran was developing multiple routes of connectivity through land, rail, air and sea, and highlighted the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) corridor, linking the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Central Asia to Europe. He stated that both countries share a central geographical position that helps reduce transport costs, benefiting consumers and traders on both sides.
He recalled the recent visits of President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the “highest point” in bilateral cooperation, adding that relations between the two countries had reached their strongest level in recent years. “Our Presidents and Prime Ministers have exchanged visits, inaugurated joint border projects, and maintained regular communication. Our Foreign Ministers are in continuous contact on all bilateral, regional and international matters,” he said.
Highlighting the growing trade potential, the ambassador said Pakistan can export meat, rice, corn, livestock and summer foods to Iran, while Iran can supply petroleum, construction materials and other goods. “Fifty to sixty percent of our product needs can be traded between both sides,” he noted, adding that Iran currently imports meat from distant countries, making Pakistan a natural and cost-effective source.
Dr. Moghaddam identified three main hurdles to enhanced cooperation: border terrorism, lack of banking channels, and bureaucratic delays. Despite these challenges, he said, border trade continues to grow, and both sides are striving to keep customs operations open 24 hours a day. “We are also working toward signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA),” he said, expressing optimism that trade volume, which has increased from $2 billion to $3.1 billion in two years, could reach $10 billion in the near future.
He mentioned that five border markets have been opened and three crossings are operational. He also welcomed the resumption of Islamabad-Tehran flights after two decades, and expressed hope that new routes linking Lahore, Quetta and Zahedan would be launched soon. Agreements on maritime connectivity between Bandar Abbas and Karachi, as well as cooperation between Gwadar and Chahbahar, were also under discussion, he added.
The ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s principled stance on Iran’s civil nuclear program and its solidarity during recent Western efforts to reimpose sanctions. “During the 12-day war, Pakistan’s government, Parliament and people all stood by Iran,” he said.
Referring to defence cooperation, Dr. Moghaddam said relations between the armed forces of the two countries were now stronger than ever. He cited the visit of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Tehran earlier this year and his meeting with Iranian Armed Forces Chief Major General Mohammad Bagheri, terming it a milestone in defence collaboration.
Earlier, COPAIR Chairperson Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade, technology, education and tourism, while Mr. Tazeen Akhtar traced the history of Pakistan-Iran connectivity from the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) to the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the TIR Convention, which enabled Pakistan’s first commercial transport of goods to Baku via Tehran.
