TEHRAN: Pakistan and Iran formalized several cooperation agreements on Monday aimed at boosting bilateral trade and collaboration in the agriculture sector. The pacts were signed during the visit of Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, to Iran.
Leading the Pakistani delegation, Rana Tanveer Hussain participated in a high-level ministerial meeting where discussions focused on expanding economic ties. Addressing the media, the minister highlighted that Iran has committed to importing substantial quantities of rice from Pakistan. Additionally, he noted that hurdles hindering Pakistani mango exports will be addressed, with Iran promising to resolve issues related to import permits and foreign currency transactions.
Furthermore, Iran expressed interest in sourcing up to 60 percent of its meat from Pakistan and in importing corn. The minister also emphasized that research collaboration between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Iranian institutions will be intensified, with plans to streamline customs procedures to facilitate agricultural trade.
Rana Tanveer Hussain revealed that both countries have agreed to establish a free trade agreement, along with the formation of a joint committee that will convene every six months to monitor progress and implement decisions from the recent visit.Earlier this month, during Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkia’s visit to Pakistan, both nations signed a total of twelve agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering diverse areas. These include cooperation in plant protection and quarantine, joint use of the Mirjaveh- Taftan border crossing, collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, as well as partnerships in information technology, culture, tourism, youth, and media.
Additional agreements encompass meteorology and climate hazard management, maritime safety and firefighting, judicial assistance in criminal matters, and an extension to the 2013 air services agreement. Both countries also agreed on product certification recognition, tourism development for 2025–2027, and a joint ministerial statement expressing intent to finalize a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.
