Pakistan and Iran Are Time-Tested Partners; Bilateral Trade Must Reflect Its True Potential, Says Atif Ikram Sheikh — Iranian Trade Minister Appreciates Pakistan’s Support
Islamabad (Special Correspondent):
A high-level Iranian trade delegation, led by Iranian Minister of Trade Mohammad Ata Bek, visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Secretariat in Islamabad, where the delegation met with FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh and members of Pakistan’s business community. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and commercial ties between Pakistan and Iran.
Addressing the gathering, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that Pakistan and Iran are not only decades-old partners but have shared centuries of friendship and mutual support, standing by each other during difficult times. He noted that the Government of Pakistan, the business community, and the people of Pakistan had expressed strong solidarity with Iran during the recent crisis. He added that the visit of the high-level Iranian delegation was both timely and significant and was expected to produce long-term positive outcomes.
He further stated that despite sharing a long common border, Pakistan and Iran have yet to fully realize their trade potential. He emphasized the need for both countries to make better use of their economic capabilities and adopt more effective measures to promote mutual trade and protect shared economic interests.
Speaking on the occasion, Iranian Minister of Trade Mohammad Ata Bek said he was pleased to hold a productive meeting with Pakistan’s dynamic business community. He stressed the importance of continuing high-level engagements between the two countries to address existing challenges through timely and sustainable solutions.
The Iranian minister said that Pakistan and Iran are not only neighboring countries but also share deep historical, religious, and social ties. He added that several valuable proposals had been presented by the business communities of both countries during the meeting, which he believed would lead to positive outcomes.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s firm and clear stance during the recent conflict, saying it had been a source of encouragement and strength for the Iranian people. He further praised Pakistan for facilitating a trade corridor during difficult circumstances, noting that it had played an important role in ensuring the continuity of Iranian trade.
The Iranian minister reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation at all levels in the years ahead.