In an unprecedented diplomatic initiative, Iran’s Consul General in Quetta together with the Zahedan Chamber of Commerce and Industry extended an invitation for Pakistani traders and industrialists to invest in Iran’s Mirjaveh Free Zone as part of their drive for greater economic cooperation between their respective neighbors.
At a meeting held in Quetta with representatives from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Small Chamber of Commerce and Small Industries and Pak-Iran Chamber of Commerce; Abdolhakim Rigi and Consul General Alireza Rajaei from Zahedan Chamber made an urgent plea for collaboration among Balochistan traders. They highlighted Mirjaveh Free Trade Zone as an opportunity for joint ventures while promising that Iranian government would extend full facilities and incentives to Pakistani investors in Mirjaveh Free Trade Zone. taglichtimes.com.pk ||en |irna.ir +6 | Profit.pakistantoday.com +6 | Pakistantoday | Pak| T+6 | Pakistantoday | | Pak | Balochistan Today >> | PAKISTANToday >> >> >> PAKISTANTOTODAY >> PKT +6
Both parties stressed the significance of surpassing current trade levels to reach an ambitious $10 billion annual trade target between Iran and Pakistan. Rigi and Rajaei stressed that reaching this landmark requires dynamic private-sector cooperation.
Wikipedia.org or IRNA for Iran or profit.pakistantoday.com for Pakistan respectively for further reading.
Quetta’s business leaders, including Chamber President Mohammad Ayoub Mariani and Vice President Mir Waez Khan Kakar echoed these sentiments by calling for action to overcome logistical and regulatory bottlenecks, particularly transport issues and high import tariffs. Their proposal of forming a joint committee consisting of representatives from both chambers of commerce as well as transportation ministries is intended to facilitate cross-border trade as well as open new economic channels.
En.irna.ir
Promoting Connectivity and Infrastructure
The revival of Quetta-Zahedan flight services via Mashhad was heralded as an historic step toward improving trade, tourism, and overall cross-border connectivity. Both parties celebrated this event as an opportunity to deepen business interactions as well as people-to-people contact on both sides of the border. For more information, visit bloompakistan.com on both sides; profit.pakistantoday.com and dailytimes.com offer more details.
Sectoral Prospects and Future Opportunities Industry analysts suggest that bilateral collaboration could extend to high-potential sectors like agriculture, petrochemicals, tourism, and information technology. Engaging through business councils, SME networks, chambers could unlock these areas. Iran’s interest in joining the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) demonstrates its desire to integrate regionally while opening trade corridors that benefit both nations – for more details visit Tehrantimes.com
Geopolitical and Strategic Considerations
Zahedan, the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province, lies at an essential crossroads–connecting Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan through rail, road and air networks. Its long history as a railway junction combined with proximity to trade routes further underline its strategic value; inviting Pakistani investment further strengthens this importance for Iran as part of their vision of cross-border economic integration.
(Sources) (en.wikipedia.org +1)
Looking Forward
The Zahedan Chamber and Iranian delegation’s call for investment signals a significant effort at harnessing regional synergies through private sector efforts. If successful, such efforts could bring forth new infrastructure projects, ease trade frictions, and promote growth on both sides.
However, the success of this initiative will depend on quickly addressing transport and tariff challenges, setting up effective joint mechanisms, and garnering sustained political and institutional support in both capitals.