Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation and Bilateral Trade Ties

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan and Iran are expanding their agricultural cooperation with a high-level Iranian delegation scheduled to visit Pakistan within two weeks to finalize arrangements for the export of Pakistani corn to Iran. The move comes as both countries reaffirm their commitment to implementing decisions taken by the Joint Committee on Agricultural Cooperation. Pakistan's Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, has praised Iran for enhancing imports of Pakistani rice and meat, and the two countries are planning to undertake joint studies on seed development and disease-resistant varieties to strengthen food security and agricultural innovation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iran will dispatch a high-level delegation to Pakistan within two weeks to finalize arrangements for the export of Pakistani corn to Iran.
  • Pakistan's Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, has met with Iranian Minister for Agriculture Jihad, Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh, to advance ongoing agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
  • Both countries have agreed to facilitate the import of agricultural products in line with understandings reached during the visit of Pakistan's Minister for National Food Security last month.
  • Iran has expressed keen interest in undertaking joint studies with Pakistan's Seed Councils on seed development and the production of disease-resistant varieties.
  • The 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) concluded on a positive note, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to achieving a $10 billion bilateral trade target.
  • Several protocols have been signed to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhance electricity exchanges, and promote transport links such as rail cargo, air navigation, and ferry services for passengers.
  • The JEC has also agreed to strengthen collaboration in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and cultural exchanges.
  • A Joint Committee on Labour Cooperation will be created to facilitate worker mobility between the two countries, particularly in construction, textiles, and agriculture.

Statistics:

  • The planned export of Pakistani corn to Iran has not been specified in tons or quantity.
  • Pakistan and Iran aim to achieve a $10 billion bilateral trade target.
  • The 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission concluded with a positive outcome.
  • Several protocols have been signed, but the exact number is not specified.

Sources:

  • APP (state-run news agency) [1]
  • Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce [2]
  • Iran's Ministry of Agriculture [3]