Iran offers Pakistan greater access to Central Asian markets as both sides push to expand trade links
Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, with Tehran expressing its readiness to provide Pakistan enhanced overland access to Central Asian markets through expanded regional connectivity initiatives.
The development came during a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, where both sides reviewed progress on trade, investment and cross-border infrastructure projects.
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According to Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID), the two countries agreed to accelerate efforts to operationalise the Rimdan-Gabd border Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and work toward their shared target of increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion in the coming years.
The discussions focused on improving regional connectivity and reviving cross-border commercial activity, which has slowed in recent months. Officials noted that daily truck movements across the border had declined from around 700 to 800 vehicles following recent regional tensions. Both sides explored the possibility of increasing this number to as many as 2,000 trucks per day.
Ambassador Moghadam highlighted Iran’s strategic position as a gateway to Central Asia and said enhanced access through Iranian territory could create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters and businesses. The two sides also agreed to encourage greater private sector collaboration and joint ventures.
Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the Rimdan-Gabd corridor’s proximity to key maritime routes and ports makes it an important hub for regional trade and investment. He added that the Board of Investment, with support from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), would work with relevant authorities to address implementation challenges and accelerate progress on agreed initiatives.
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