INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN - In a meeting held at the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCIMA), senior representatives from
Pakistans Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Tehran authorities discussed broadening bilateral trade through much deeper port cooperation in
between Gwadar and Chabahar.During the talks, that included Peyman Sanandaji, head of the Tehran Chambers Transportation Commission, and
Hessamoddin Hallaj, Deputy for International Affairs and Trade Development, both sides explored the potential for increasing items exchange
in between the two tactical ports
The conference also united members of Tehrans transport commission and Iranian organization leaders.According to the TCCIMA portal, the
Gwadar delegation revealed readiness to team up in presenting reputable companies from both nations, enhancing port-based trade, developing
a monetary passage, and developing customs infrastructure.Sanandaji stressed the requirement to modernize overland and maritime transit
facilities between Chabahar and Gwadar, stating the Tehran chamber is prepared to engage with Gwadar counterparts to determine and develop
transport opportunities.Hallaj highlighted the growing tactical role of both ports in bilateral commerce and kept in mind that Gwadar, which
has up until now run mainly within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, might evolve into a multilateral regional hub
He likewise revealed Tehrans determination to help in presenting reputable business and helping with business visa requests for Pakistani
and Iranian traders.As announced by an official with the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), Iran has actually exported
non-oil products valued at $2.4 billion to Pakistan in the past Iranian fiscal year, which ended on March 20, 2025
Abolfazl Akbarpour, the deputy head of IRICA for planning and worldwide affairs, said that Pakistan was Irans fifth top export destination
in the previous year.Speakers at a seminar on the future of Iran-Pakistan relations and regional connectivity emphasized the need for
positive discussion in between authorities from both countries to browse administrative and logistical complexities
They worried that protecting mutual advantages and improving the well-being of the Iranian and Pakistani individuals need strong political
will and mutual practical measures.The workshop, entitled Iran-Pakistan Relations: Trade Outlook and Strengthening Connectivity, was hung
on March 1 with the participation of the Iranian Embassy and hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
The event combined prominent experts from Pakistans diplomatic, media, economic, and political spheres, along with a number of foreign
diplomats.Among the keynote speakers were Irans Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, Pakistans Ambassador to Tehran Muhammad Mudassir
Tipu, ISSI Chairman Sohail Mahmood, and former Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Riffat Masood.They highlighted the $10 billion trade target and
essential energy tasks as vital actions towards reinforcing bilateral relations.Acknowledging the obstacles impeding smooth trade in between
the two nations coming from administrative intricacies, logistical barriers, and local and international developments speakers emphasized
that structured engagement, promoting trust, and shared regard form the foundation for a resilient and versatile partnership between Tehran
and Islamabad.Pakistani experts highlighted the value of enhancing border security, building mutual trust, and advancing projects such as
connecting the Gwadar and Chabahar ports and collaborating on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to open higher trade potential.Addressing
the seminar, Irans Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam mentioned that trade and connectivity are two basic pillars of both global and
domestic economies, significantly affecting each other
Reliable and secure transportation, he kept in mind, is a facilitator of sustainable trade, making investment in transit corridors both
essential and extremely advantageous for investors.In todays rapidly evolving landscape, the international neighborhood deals with 2 new
ideas: tariff wars and passage wars, both targeting key economic pillars, he stated
Tariff wars, aimed at disrupting supply chains and obstructing trade among Global South countries, threaten worldwide trade and the incomes
On the other hand, corridor wars through the creation of completing paths, damaging rivalries, financial terrorism, insecurity, and
instability are developed to sustain unilateralism and hinder sustainable advancement goals.Amiri Moghadam highlighted the strategic
geographic position of Iran and Pakistan, which play a crucial role in connecting the huge networks of Asian and European nations
He worried that establishing transport facilities and enhancing bilateral connectivity would assist in more comprehensive local
interactions.With their transit capabilities, diverse production sectors, and complementary economies, Iran and Pakistan can boost their
bilateral supply chains along with those with other countries, he added
Iran serves as the entrance to Eurasia and the Caucasus, while Pakistan is the entry point to South and Southeast Asia
This unique positioning identifies the 2 nations from their other neighbors.The Iranian envoy even more kept in mind that the 2 nations
share a 1,000-kilometer land and maritime border, with markets and border crossings cultivating connection
The Rimdan-Gabd and Pishin-Mand border crossings have been activated to relieve trade and help with smoother motion, while plans for
additional border terminals and marketplaces are underway
He pointed out that bureaucratic and logistical hurdles stay, needing joint efforts to address.Irans Chabahar Port and Pakistans Gwadar and
Karachi ports hold enormous potential for enhancing economic linkages between the two nations and the wider area, Amiri Moghadam stated
Strategic and geopolitical issues from particular external stars have actually resulted in misinforming narratives representing these ports
as competitors, whereas, in reality, they are complementary according to all financial, geological, and tactical indicators.He declared
Irans support for any effort that cultivates regional combination, reinforces bonds of peace and relationship amongst countries, and
promotes economic prosperity
Iran has actually regularly welcomed Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and related projects in line with this policy and is prepared to
actively participate, he added.Amiri Moghadam highlighted ongoing efforts to boost transit paths, including the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul
(ITI) freight train, in addition to port cooperation and infrastructure advancement for East-West and North-South corridors
These efforts hold tremendous strategic and economic significance for both countries, he said.Under the Economic Cooperation Organization
(ECO) structure, the ITI freight train is currently functional, using substantial opportunities for Iran and Pakistan to expand transit and
transport partnership through these passages
He likewise indicated the near-term completion of Irans train link to Herat in Afghanistan and the Rasht-Astara train connection, which are
expected to transform transit in the region.Despite a post-pandemic healing in bilateral trade volume, Amiri Moghadam kept in mind that
current trade levels stay listed below capacity
Senior officials from both nations have actually set a $10 billion trade target, and accomplishing this objective needs magnified efforts,,
he stated.He highlighted that the Iranian and Pakistani markets are complementary rather than competitive
Pakistans economy is driven by its textile and farming markets, while Irans economy is based upon oil and semi-industrial production
Even in agriculture, the 2 countries are not rivals
Pakistan produces crops such as corn, sugarcane, rice, tropical fruits, sesame, and animal fodder, while it depends on Iran for petroleum
items, gas, and farming and industrial machinery.If Pakistan requires energy, Iran has an abundance of it
If Iran requires water management options, Pakistan is a fertile land with huge farming and livestock resources,, he described
These relative advantages and complementary sectors enhance economic ties in between the 2 nations.With a combined population of over 340
million, Amiri Moghadam stressed that Iran and Pakistan should take concrete steps to completely harness their financial potential
Reinforcing ties with next-door neighbors is a fundamental policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and an essential roadmap for our federal
government, he stated.Amiri Moghadam concluded by highlighting the requirement for further steps to enhance bilateral ties, including
resolving administrative barriers, broadening direct flights, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and launching leisure cruise lines
These procedures will help enhance connection, broaden trade, and drive financial growth between the 2 countries, he said.In mid-July 2024,
the 11th conference of the Joint Border Trade Committee of Iran and Pakistan opened in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan, where the
two sides pursue the boost of bilateral trade to $10 billion per annum.Pakistans Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, who goes to the
meeting online, announced that Iranian and Pakistani delegations are arranged to talk about the mechanism to increase shared trade.Irans
consul general in Quetta, Pakistans consul general in Zahedan, and other senior officials of Sistan-Baluchestan province took part in the
meeting.Such joint conferences are held to pave the way for evaluating challenges, removing barriers, and developing trade and financial
relations in between the 2 friendly and nearby countries.The two sides make the necessary coordination to assist improve trade and economic
ties, exchange financial delegations, organize joint exhibitions, draw in bilateral financial investment, and develop joint commercial
centers and retail markets.The head of the Pakistani delegation to the 11th meeting of the Joint Border Trade Committee said that Islamabad
strongly supports the development of joint markets and financial investment, which can increase the level of trust between the 2
nations.Irfan Javed included that Pakistan also requires cooperation in the field of transportation due to the fact that it can impact the
livelihood of individuals who are residing in border regions.The deputy planner of financial affairs of Sistan-Baluchestan guvs office
stated that Iran is keen on expanding trade exchanges with Pakistan.Davoud Shahraki included that the relationship between the 2 countries
is historic and long-standing
This short article first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times
