Pakistan and Iran Sign Landmark Deals to Strengthen Agricultural Trade
New Agreements Open Major Export Channels for Pakistani Farmers
Pakistan and Iran have taken a major step forward, signing landmark agreements to deepen agricultural trade and cooperation. The announcement was made during a high-level ministerial meeting in Tehran, led by Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain.
Iran has committed to sourcing a significant portion of its rice imports from Pakistan—covering both government and private sectors—providing a much-needed, steady market for Pakistani exporters.
To give Pakistani mango growers a fair chance, Iran also agreed to resolve longstanding issues related to import permits and foreign exchange access. Meat and corn exports are also set to grow substantially: Iran will aim to procure 60% of its meat from Pakistan, while also importing large quantities of maize.
Research, Customs, and Infrastructure: A New Era of Collaboration
Beyond trade quantities, both nations committed to scientific cooperation. The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council will collaborate with Iranian institutions in areas such as crop research, livestock development, water management, and farmer innovation.
To ensure seamless trade of perishable goods like meat and mangoes, both sides agreed to expedite customs clearance and improve infrastructure at border crossings. Plans include building warehouses, cold-chain systems, and other logistics enhancements.
A Joint Agricultural Trade Committee will meet every six months to monitor progress and address any bottlenecks. Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to provide long-term stability and growth in bilateral trade.
Ambitious Trade Goals for the Coming Years
Currently, agricultural trade between Pakistan and Iran stands at approximately $1.4 billion. Under the new agreements, that figure is projected to more than double to $3 billion within two years.
This milestone marks a turning point in regional trade dynamics and opens fresh opportunities for farmers, traders, and industries in both nations.