Pakistan Committed to Enhance Trade with Iran: Tanveer

Tehran: Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral trade with Iran, identifying agriculture as a vital area of mutual interest. The resolve was expressed in a meeting with Governor of Qom Province Akbar Behnamjou in Iran today.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister emphasized the potential of agriculture to act as a cornerstone for food security and economic integration between the two nations. He highlighted Pakistan’s capacity to supply high-quality rice, mangoes, halal meat, and maize. Hussain underlined Pakistan’s readiness to share its proven expertise in key areas including rice, wheat, mango, and citrus while also expressing an interest in learning from Iran’s strengths in saffron, pistachios, and dry fruits, pointing toward a mutually enriching partnership.

Iran agreed to source a substantial share of its rice imports from Pakistan, resolve issues affecting mango export permits and foreign exchange allocations, and import large volumes of maize and meat, targeting Pakistan as a principal supplier for about sixty percent of its meat imports. Rana Tanveer Hussain welcomed Iran’s commitment to significantly increasing reliance on Pakistani agricultural exports.

Both leaders agreed to enhance customs procedures, improve SPS protocols, and bolster trade infrastructure like cold chains and warehousing, which are essential for maintaining the quality and efficiency of agricultural exports and imports. On this occasion, the Minister extended an invitation to Governor Behnamjou and relevant agricultural officials for a reciprocal visit to Pakistan.

Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that people-to-people and institutional exchanges would further strengthen this newly energized partnership.