Independent Report
Quetta, Feb 4:
Iranian Consul General in Quetta, M. Karimi Toudeshki, has stressed that achieving the $10 billion bilateral trade target between Pakistan and Iran is not possible without removing long-standing trade barriers. Addressing a meeting of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said sustained dialogue, mutual coordination, and practical implementation are essential for long-term trade growth.
Chamber officials acknowledged that despite US and FATF-related restrictions, Pakistan-Iran trade has shown resilience. However, they highlighted key obstacles including complex visa procedures, mandatory trader interviews, high invoice verification fees, and restricted market access. They urged authorities to ease these conditions to facilitate smoother cross-border trade.
The Iranian consul noted that historical trade ties exist between the two countries but weak infrastructure and poor enforcement of agreements have reduced volumes. He announced that Pakistani businessmen establishing industries in Iran would be offered a five-year residency and other incentives. Both sides agreed that actionable cooperation, rather than rhetoric, is vital to reaching shared trade goals.
