Pakistan and Iran are set to advance discussions on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as senior officials from both countries meet in Islamabad to explore measures aimed at strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The discussions will take place during the 10th Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting, hosted by Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce. The meeting is expected to focus on expanding bilateral trade, improving customs and banking cooperation, facilitating cross-border commerce, enhancing transport and transit connectivity, and promoting greater private-sector collaboration.

The session will be co-chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Iranian Minister for Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak, with senior government officials from both countries participating in the talks.

Iran has sent a 22-member official delegation along with a 16-member business delegation representing sectors including food, agriculture, logistics, shipping, transportation, energy and manufacturing. The participation of business leaders is expected to strengthen commercial partnerships and create new investment opportunities between the two neighboring countries.

The Joint Trade Committee will also review progress on existing bilateral trade initiatives while accelerating negotiations on the proposed Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement. Both sides are expected to discuss practical measures to remove trade barriers and improve market access for businesses.

Pakistan and Iran have previously expressed their commitment to expanding economic ties and have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2028. The latest meeting is expected to reinforce that objective by promoting regional connectivity, encouraging cross-border investment and opening new avenues for trade and economic collaboration.