QUETTA: Iranian Consul General Hassan Darwishvand has expressed Tehran’s goal of increasing trade between Pakistan and Iran to $10 billion, emphasising the need for mutual cooperation.

During a farewell meeting with business leaders from Balochistan on Tuesday, Mr Darwishvand informed them that the bilateral trade volume had already surpassed $3bn. He stressed that further growth in trade could only be achieved through continued collaboration between the Iranian Consulate and the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Iranian diplomat expressed gratitude for the QCCI’s support, recognising the business community as vital for regional and national economic prosperity.

Mr Darwishvand pointed out that the increase in bilateral trade was encouraging, and both countries were committed to strengthening their Islamic, cultural, and commercial ties. He reiterated that their efforts to stabilise and expand trade relations would continue.

Earlier, Mr Darwishvand, accompanied by Deputy Consul General Syed Mehdi Shaiki, visited the QCCI, where they were welcomed by its president Muhammad Ayub Mariani, former president Haji Abdullah Achakzai and former senior vice president Agha Gul Khilji.

The QCCI officials praised the consul general for his dedicated service to Balochistan and acknowledged that the growing trade volume between Pakistan and Iran was largely due to the strong cooperation between the Iranian Consulate and the QCCI.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2025