Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Economic Ties at the 22nd Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission

Pakistan and Iran have strengthened their economic ties through the successful conclusion of the 22nd Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, on September 15-16, 2025. The milestone session marked a significant step forward in strengthening economic, commercial, and cultural ties between the two nations, underscoring a shared commitment to mutual prosperity and enhanced bilateral cooperation. The session reviewed bilateral relations and agreed upon a strong framework for future cooperation, with an emphasis on expanding collaboration across various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, transport, housing, health, education, and cultural exchanges.

Key Takeaways:

• The 22nd Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) concluded successfully in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, on September 15-16, 2025, marking a significant step forward in strengthening economic, commercial, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran.
• A reaffirmed commitment to achieving a bilateral trade target of $10 billion was made, as envisioned by the leadership of both nations.
• Removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, operationalizing border markets, and promoting regular Business to Business meetings to enhance commercial ties were emphasized.
• Enhanced electricity exchanges, including the resumption of a 220 KV transmission line to Gwadar, and exploring renewable energy projects were agreed upon.
• A Joint Working Group will promote investment in the power sector, and cooperation in water resource management and sustainable urban development was prioritized.
• Implementing agreements on veterinary health, combating pests, and collaborating on agricultural seeds and equipment was committed to, alongside joint strategies to address climate challenges like sand and dust storms and mangrove conservation.
• Transportation and connectivity were key focus areas, with agreements to strengthen road, rail, air, and maritime transport links, including increasing rail cargo volumes and enhancing air navigation services.
• Cultural and educational ties were bolstered through plans for cultural festivals, media collaborations, academic partnerships, student exchanges, and vocational training programs.
• Health sector collaboration was advanced through agreements on joint training, pharmaceutical registration, and cross-border disease surveillance.
• A Joint Committee on Labour Cooperation was established to facilitate worker mobility in sectors such as construction, textiles, and agriculture.
• A Joint Business Forum was organized on the sidelines of the JEC, bringing together leading businesses from both countries, which provided an opportunity for the private sectors of Pakistan and Iran to directly engage and explore new avenues of cooperation.
• People-to-people linkages, cultural exchange, and joint efforts to address shared challenges such as climate change, water management, and counter-narcotics were highlighted.

Statistics:

• Bilateral trade target: $10 billion
• Joint Working Group to promote investment in the power sector
• 220 KV transmission line to Gwadar: to be resumed
• Renewable energy projects: to be explored
• Joint Committee on Labour Cooperation: established
• Cultural festivals: planned
• Media collaborations: planned
• Academic partnerships: planned
• Student exchanges: planned
• Vocational training programs: planned
• Joint training: agreed upon
• Pharmaceutical registration: agreed upon
• Cross-border disease surveillance: agreed upon

Sources:

• Government of Pakistan - "Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Economic Ties at the 22nd Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission" (September 2025)
• Press Information Department - "Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Economic Ties" (September 2025)
• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting - "Press Information Department is the principal department of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, headed by Principal Information Officer (PIO)"