Tehran - Iran and Pakistan plan to boost bilateral agricultural trade to $3 billion within two years, according to Iranian Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri.

 

Speaking to reporters on Monday, following a meeting with Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and an accompanying delegation, Nouri said current agricultural trade between the two countries is valued at about $140 million, while Iran’s total exports to Pakistan stand at roughly $700 million.

 

“Tehran aims to raise this figure to $1.5 billion annually. We have both the capacity and the willingness to achieve this expansion,” Nouri said, pointing to the two nations’ shared priorities in agriculture and food security.

 

He announced that Iran and Pakistan have agreed to intensify cooperation on agricultural research, climate change adaptation, and water scarcity, with a joint committee meeting every six months to track progress.

 

Nouri also outlined new trade opportunities in key commodities. Pakistan could supply a significant share of Iran’s corn demand due to its non-GMO production, while imports of Pakistani rice are expected to grow. At least 60% of Iran’s meat shortfall could be met through collaboration with Pakistan, and in return, Iran is prepared to export dairy products, dried fruits, fresh produce, and other agricultural goods.

 

“Our clear objective is to increase Iranian exports to Pakistan from $700 million to $1.5 billion per year, laying the foundation for $3 billion in agricultural trade by 2027,” the minister emphasized.

 

Rana Tanveer Hussain, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Industries and Production and National Food Security and Research, described the Tehran meeting as “fruitful,” highlighting agreements on boosting agricultural trade, scientific collaboration and joint efforts to address climate change.

 

He said increasing imports and exports between the two neighbors would be more economical than relying on distant suppliers such as Brazil, particularly in rice and livestock.

 

Officials emphasized that trade would involve both the public and private sectors, with mechanisms such as barter and tailored trade facilities under discussion.

 

They said the initiative not only aimed at ensuring mutual food security but could also contribute to regional stability.

 

The Iran–Pakistan Business Conference opened in Islamabad on August 3 with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in attendance, alongside a high-ranking delegation. The event was hosted by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.