Iranian CG for removing barriers to achieving USD10bn trade targets

ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Consul General in Quetta, M Karimi Toudeshki, has said that the achievement of the agreed bilateral trade targets between brotherly Islamic countries Pakistan and Iran will not be possible unless the obstacles hindering trade are addressed.

He stressed that attaining the USD 10 billion bilateral trade target requires long-term mutual engagement, continuous dialogue, and practical measures.

He expressed these views during a meeting with office-bearers and members of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), Balochistan.

On the occasion, QCCI President Haji Muhammad Ayub Mariani, Senior Vice President Haji Akhtar Kakar, and other office-bearers said that despite US and FATF sanctions, the growth of Pak-Iran trade is encouraging; however, resolving certain fundamental issues is essential for further improvement.

The chamber representatives demanded that traders be exempted from the requirement of appearing in person for interviews and other stringent conditions in the visa issuance process. They said the invoice attestation fee is a major hurdle to business and should be reduced or abolished altogether. They also called for facilitating Pakistani exports to Iranian markets and the removal of proposed and other unnecessary conditions.

The participants expressed confidence that if these barriers are removed and bilateral cooperation is placed on practical grounds, the USD 10 billion trade target between Pakistan and Iran can be achieved.

The Iranian CG said Pakistan and Iran share historic and traditional trade relations, but bilateral trade has declined due to lack of infrastructure, insufficient facilities, and non-implementation of bilateral agreements. He emphasized that the time has come to move beyond statements and take concrete actions.

M Karimi Toudeshki further said that both short-term and long-term planning is indispensable for promoting bilateral trade. He pointed out imbalances in the free trade zones of both countries due to legal and other issues, calling for immediate and effective measures to ensure trade balance.

He said the role of the QCCI is of key importance in promoting Pak-Iran trade. He stressed full implementation of agreements reached in meetings of the Joint Border Trade Committee, and advised against entering into non-implementable agreements in future meetings.

The Iranian CG announced that Pakistani businessmen who establish industries in Iran will be provided facilities, including a five-year residency permit. He assured that practical steps would be taken to resolve the issues highlighted by QCCI office-bearers and members. At the end of the meeting, commemorative shields were exchanged.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026