- Abdul Aleem Khan and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam discuss smoother movement of goods at Pak-Iran border points
- Communication Minister eyes Rs10 billion bilateral trade target with Iran, saying NLC, Communications Ministry to coordinate for speedy facilitation measures
- Iranian envoy says Tehran to import meat, explore purchase of 200,000 tonnes of maize from Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to boost cross-border trade and connectivity with Iran, pledging to remove logistical hurdles and ensure smoother movement of goods under a coordinated plan with the National Logistics Cell (NLC).
He expressed these views during a meeting with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, who called on him here, said a press release.
The minister voiced optimism that bilateral trade between the two brotherly countries could reach $10 billion, adding that all necessary measures would be taken to address issues related to the entry and exit of Iranian trade trucks at border points.
He said steps would be taken in coordination with the NLC, while a meeting would soon be arranged between the Secretary of Communications and officials of the Iranian Embassy to expedite progress.
Acknowledging that bureaucratic red tape often delays procedures, Abdul Aleem Khan said consistent follow-up and persistence help overcome such challenges.
He reaffirmed his support for the vision of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to further enhance trade and connectivity between the two nations. “The love and goodwill between Pakistan and Iran have increased manifold over the past six months,” he added.
The Iranian Ambassador thanked the minister for successfully organizing the Regional Transport Ministers Conference (RTMC), which brought together transport ministers and experts from several countries.
He noted that the visit of Iran’s Minister for Transport and Urban Development, Ms. Farzaneh Sadegh, was of great significance, as the conference provided valuable opportunities for regional dialogue and cooperation.
The envoy lauded the minister’s efforts to unite regional stakeholders on connectivity and trade, saying such initiatives have been crucial in strengthening Pakistan-Iran collaboration.
He further revealed that Iran plans to import large quantities of meat from Pakistan and is also exploring the purchase of 200,000 tonnes of maize (corn) as a viable trade option.
Ambassador Moghadam remarked that Pakistan-Iran relations are now at their highest level in four decades, with a series of high-level visits and follow-up meetings planned in the coming weeks to advance shared goals.
He also appreciated the hospitality extended during the RTMC Conference. Commercial Counsellor of Iran to Pakistan Mohsin Shahbazi was also present during the meeting.
