Pakistan, Iran sign key protocols at 22nd JEC, reaffirm $10bn trade goal

September 17, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Iran concluded the 22nd session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Tehran on Tuesday with the signing of key protocols, reaffirming their commitment to achieve a bilateral trade target of $10bn.

The milestone session marked a significant step forward in strengthening economic, commercial and cultural ties, stressing a shared commitment to mutual prosperity and enhanced bilateral cooperation.

The Pakistani delegation, led by Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, participated in the JEC session, while the Iranian delegation was headed by Minister for Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq.

The session reviewed bilateral relations and agreed upon a strong framework for future cooperation.

Emphasis was placed on expanding collaboration across sectors including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, transport, housing, health, education and cultural exchanges.

At the conclusion, both ministers signed the relevant protocols on behalf of their respective governments.

The technical sessions were led by Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs of Pakistan and Dr Amin Taraffo, Senior Advisor to the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development.

Supported by their technical teams, both sides held extensive discussions and finalized the draft protocol.

Key outcomes included a reaffirmed commitment to achieving the $10bn bilateral trade target.

In trade and investment, both sides agreed to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, operationalize border markets and promote regular Business-to-Business meetings.

In energy and infrastructure, consensus was reached to enhance electricity exchanges, resume construction of a 220 KV transmission line to Gwadar and explore renewable energy projects.

A Joint Working Group will promote power sector investment, while cooperation in water resource management and sustainable urban development was prioritized.

In agriculture and environment, both nations committed to implementing agreements on veterinary health, combating pests, collaborating on seeds and equipment, and addressing climate challenges such as sand and dust storms and mangrove conservation.

Transportation and connectivity agreements included strengthening road, rail, air and maritime links, boosting rail cargo, enhancing air navigation and exploring ferry services for passengers, including Zaireen, between seaports.

Cultural and educational cooperation will be expanded through cultural festivals, media collaborations, academic partnerships, student exchanges and vocational training.

Health collaboration advanced with joint training, pharmaceutical registration, and cross-border disease surveillance.

A Joint Committee on Labour Cooperation will facilitate worker mobility in construction, textiles and agriculture.

Both sides also reaffirmed their counter-narcotics commitment with intelligence-based operations and enhanced border cooperation, while visa facilitation for businessmen and drivers was discussed.

On the sidelines, a Joint Business Forum on Monday brought together leading businesses from both countries to explore new opportunities and complement governmental efforts to deepen bilateral trade and investment.

Addressing the closing session, Jam Kamal Khan expressed satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the talks and the signing of a comprehensive protocol, emphasizing mutual commitment to enhance collaboration across trade, investment, transportation, customs facilitation, agriculture, renewable energy, science and technology, health, education, tourism, and youth affairs.

He also stressed the importance of cultural exchange, climate cooperation, and people-to-people linkages, while expressing optimism for hosting the 23rd JEC session in Islamabad.

Farzaneh Sadeq welcomed the outcomes and highlighted Iran’s commitment to strengthened ties through enhanced trade, infrastructure development, transit facilitation and energy collaboration.

She stressed the importance of regional connectivity and logistics integration, noting the benefits for both nations and the wider region.

Commending both delegations, she stressed the role of institutional mechanisms like the JEC in turning vision into results and looked forward to continued progress ahead of the next session in Islamabad.

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