*Pakistan, Iran Explore New Avenues for Trade and Investment Cooperation*

*ISLAMABAD, Aug. 5:* Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Wednesday held talks with a high-level Iranian business delegation to explore new opportunities for bilateral trade, joint investment and broader economic cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.

The delegation, accompanied by officials from the Embassy of Iran, included Chairman of Trade Facilitation and Development Mohammad Reza Chafarallahi, Shahrooz Shariat, and representatives of the Kerman and Tehran Chambers of Commerce. Senior BOI officials, including Director General Mehmood Tufail, also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the delegation, the minister highlighted the longstanding historical, cultural and religious ties between Pakistan and Iran, describing the two countries as close neighbours with significant untapped economic potential. He said Pakistan’s market of over 250 million people offers vast opportunities for trade and investment.

The Iranian delegation outlined the economic strengths of Kerman province, noting its four economic zones, strong mining sector, agricultural production and global reputation for pistachio and date exports.

Both sides discussed the proposal to establish a strategic trade corridor linking Karachi, Rimdan, Bam and potentially Chabahar through joint investment, describing it as a key initiative to improve regional connectivity and facilitate cross-border trade.

The delegation noted that Pakistan’s exports to Iran have increased significantly in recent years and said more than 1,000 business-to-business meetings had already taken place following visits by Pakistani entrepreneurs to Kerman, creating a strong foundation for future cooperation.

Highlighting the rice trade, Shahrooz Shariat said Iran imports around one million tonnes of rice annually, with Pakistan’s share rising to nearly 40 percent. He expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation could further expand Pakistan’s exports.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh stressed the potential for joint ventures in rice processing, petrochemicals, steel, engineering services and auto parts. He also proposed expanding barter trade to overcome banking and sanctions-related challenges, suggesting the exchange of commodities such as rice and chemicals.

The meeting also explored cooperation in engineering services, testing, inspection and certification. The minister said Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) could facilitate certification requirements to support joint industrial projects.

The Iranian delegation appreciated Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and invited the minister and BOI leadership to visit Iran to further strengthen institutional and business ties. The minister welcomed the invitation, saying an official visit to Iran was under consideration.

The meeting took place amid growing economic engagement between the two countries, including the visit of Iran’s Minister of Trade to Pakistan and the activation of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee.

Director General BOI Mehmood Tufail reaffirmed the Board of Investment’s commitment to facilitating foreign investors and promoting mutually beneficial economic cooperation between Pakistan and Iran. The minister concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to encourage foreign investment and unlock the full economic potential of bilateral relations.