ISLAMABAD: An Iranian delegation visited Karachi to discuss enhancing trade cooperation between Chabahar and Gwadar ports.

The meeting was held at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) headquarters.

The delegation was led by the deputy governor of Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.

FPCCI Vice President Nasir Khan emphasized the potential of both ports as major transit hubs.

Pakistan and Iran currently have a bilateral trade volume of approximately $3 billion.

Both countries aim to increase this volume to $10 billion.

The FPCCI highlighted the need for direct contacts and effective barter mechanisms.

This visit included discussions on cooperation in logistics, agriculture, and transport sectors.

Senior FPCCI official Asif Sakhi stressed the importance of Pakistan’s agricultural exports to Iran.

Sakhi mentioned Pakistan’s capacity to meet Iran’s growing food security needs.

The FPCCI reported 12 agreements signed last year to enhance cooperation.

Leveraging these agreements could significantly elevate trade activities.

Pakistan recently opened new transit routes for Iranian imports from third countries.

This development is expected to facilitate increased regional trade.

The Iranian delegation explored investment opportunities in Gwadar’s logistics infrastructure.

According to FPCCI, achieving the $10 billion trade mark is plausible with strategic cooperation.

The visit aligns with efforts to modernize customs procedures and border management.

Both sides are keen to resolve technical barriers hampering trade growth.

Iranian officials expressed interest in collaborating across various economic sectors.

According to Arab News, this collaboration could transform Chabahar and Gwadar into key regional trade hubs.

Increased cooperation could provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s economy.

The discussion also focused on developing uninterrupted cold-chain logistics.

Continuous engagement between Pakistan and Iran is vital to achieving trade goals.

Future talks are anticipated to continue building on this progress.

Both nations see this partnership as crucial for regional socioeconomic development.

Pakistan’s focus on improving regional trade is a strategic move.

The future of this collaboration holds significant promise for both ports.

Source: arabnews.pk