Tehran (TDI): Pakistan and Iran wrapped up the 22nd session of their Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Tehran this week, adopting a wide-ranging protocol to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, health, and culture.
The Pakistani side was led by Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, while Iran’s delegation was headed by Minister for Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq. Technical discussions were chaired by Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Secretary Muhammad Humair Karim and Dr. Amin Taraffo, senior advisor to the Iranian minister.
The session reviewed bilateral relations and agreed upon a strong framework for future cooperation. Emphasis was placed on expanding collaboration across various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, transport, housing, health, education, and cultural exchanges. At the conclusion of the session, both ministers signed the relevant protocols on behalf of their respective governments.
Both sides, supported by their respective technical teams, held extensive discussions across multiple areas and successfully finalized the draft Protocol.
Key outcomes of the 22nd JEC session include a reaffirmed commitment to achieving a bilateral trade target of $10 billion, as envisioned by the leadership of both nations. In trade and investment, both sides emphasized the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, operationalizing border markets and promotion of regular Business to Business meetings to enhance commercial ties.
Read More:Â Pakistan Seeks Stronger Ties With Iran: PM Shehbaz
In energy and infrastructure, consensus were made to enhance electricity exchanges, including resuming construction of a 220 KV transmission line to Gwadar and exploring renewable energy projects. A Joint Working Group will promote investment in the power sector, while cooperation in water resource management and sustainable urban development was also prioritized.
In agriculture and environment, both sides committed to implementing agreements on veterinary health, combating pests, and collaborating on agricultural seeds and equipment, alongside joint strategies to address climate challenges like sand and dust storms and mangrove conservation.
Transportation and connectivity were key focus areas, with agreements to strengthen road, rail, air, and maritime transport links. This includes increasing rail cargo volumes, enhancing air navigation services, and exploring ferry services for passengers, including Zaireen, between seaports. Cultural and educational ties were bolstered through plans for cultural festivals, media collaborations, academic partnerships, student exchanges, and vocational training programs.
Health sector collaboration was advanced with agreements on joint training, pharmaceutical registration, and cross-border disease surveillance. A Joint Committee on Labour Cooperation will facilitate worker mobility in sectors such as construction, textiles, and agriculture.
Both nations also reaffirmed their commitment to counter-narcotics efforts through intelligence-based operations and enhanced border cooperation, while proposals to streamline visa processes for businessmen and drivers were discussed.
Read More:Â Pakistan, Iran Hold 22nd Meeting of the Joint Economic Commission
On the sidelines of the JEC, a Joint Business Forum was organized on 15th September 2025, which brought together leading businesses from both countries. The Forum provided an opportunity for the private sectors of Pakistan and Iran to directly engage, explore new avenues of cooperation, and complement governmental efforts towards deepening bilateral trade and investment.
Addressing the closing session of JEC, Jam Kamal Khan expressed satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the talks and the signing of a comprehensive Protocol that sets a clear roadmap for future cooperation. He emphasized the mutual commitment of both countries to enhance collaboration in trade, investment, transportation, customs facilitation, and industrial development, along with expanding cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, science and technology, health, education, tourism, and youth affairs.
He commended the dedication of the technical teams from both sides for their role in finalizing the agenda and producing tangible outcomes. The Minister also highlighted the importance of people-to-people linkages, cultural exchange, and joint efforts to address shared challenges such as climate change, water management, and counter-narcotics. He expressed optimism that the progress achieved would pave the way for deeper cooperation and looked forward to hosting the 23rd JEC session in Islamabad.
In her remarks at the closing session, Farzaneh Sadeq, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, welcomed the outcomes of the 22nd JEC and expressed confidence in the growing momentum of bilateral cooperation. She emphasized Iran’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Pakistan through enhanced trade, infrastructure development, transit facilitation, and energy collaboration.
The Minister highlighted the importance of regional connectivity and logistics integration, noting that improved transport corridors would benefit not only both nations but the wider region. She also acknowledged the significance of collaboration in areas such as urban development, housing, agriculture, health, education, and technology.
Commending the professionalism and dedication of both delegations, Sadeq underscored the importance of institutional mechanisms like the JEC in turning shared vision into concrete results. She expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive engagement and looked forward to continued progress in the lead-up to the next session in Islamabad.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs extends its gratitude to the Government of Iran for hosting the 22nd session and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a strong, mutually beneficial partnership that deepens the historic ties of friendship, cooperation, and shared heritage between Pakistan and Iran.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
