Iran's top trade official and Pakistan's ambassador to Tehran have signaled a renewed push to expand bilateral commerce, with a high-level Iranian delegation set to travel to Pakistan next week to finalize outstanding trade issues.
Mohammad-Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO), met with Pakistani Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui to discuss concrete steps for unlocking the untapped potential between the two neighbors. While diplomatic ties run deep, economic exchanges have lagged behind—a gap both sides now appear determined to close.
Dehghan Dehnavi confirmed that next week's visit—which will include representatives from multiple ministries and agencies—aims to resolve pending regulatory and logistical bottlenecks. Key agenda items will be taken up under the umbrella of the Joint Trade Committee, with Iran's Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade also expected to participate.
"The private sector on both sides is eager to engage," Dehghan Dehnavi said, adding that the TPO is ready to facilitate trade delegations and co-host business events. "We have the capacities. Now we need to put them to work."
Ambassador Siddiqui echoed the sentiment, describing Iran-Pakistan relations as "civilizational" and stressing that current Pakistani government policy reflects a commitment to deeper economic cooperation.
The development comes as both countries face shifting regional dynamics, making stronger trade ties not just an opportunity but a strategic imperative. For Iranian exporters, Pakistan represents a nearby market of over 240 million people—yet current trade volumes remain far below potential, a gap both officials are now signaling they intend to bridge.
