ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday concluded a three-day Joint Trade Committee meeting with satisfactory progress on finalising technical modalities for the proposed Free Trade Agreement.

Officials said the initiation of technical-level talks at the 10th JTC session has set the stage for early finalisation of the FTA, amid hopes of achieving the bilateral trade target of $10 billion. However, no specific deadline was announced for the ambitious trade target.

The closing session was co-chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Dr Mohammad Atabak.

At the conclusion of the talks, the two ministers signed the agreed minutes, reflecting understandings reached during the deliberations.

Agree to keep border crossings open round the clock

An official announcement issued after the conclusion of the JTC said both sides welcomed progress on the proposed FTA, including rules of origin, tariff-reduction modalities and product lists.

The meeting also focused on expanding barter trade, strengthening business-to-business linkages, promoting industrial cooperation and investment, increasing private-sector participation, and activating joint border markets.

The two countries agreed to improve trade facilitation, customs coordination, transport, logistics and border infrastructure to ensure the smooth movement of commercial cargo, particularly perishable goods.

The JTC concluded with a commitment to deepen economic cooperation and work towards the shared target of $10bn in annual trade. Both ministers emphasized sustained coordination and timely implementation of the decisions before the next Joint Trade Committee meeting.

Meeting with prime minister

The Iranian six-member delegation also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting reviewed measures to promote border trade, including improving facilities, keeping border crossings open round the clock, strengthening logistics, and harmonising customs procedures.

The premier said Pakistan attached great value to its ties with Iran, describing it as a brotherly neighbour. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue its sincere efforts for peace in the region.

Atabak lauded Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace and solidarity with Iran.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026