According to SHADA, the two sides reviewed the potential for developing economic, investment, and trade cooperation within free zones, and underscored the need to establish new mechanisms to facilitate the presence of Pakistani economic operators and investors in Iran's free zones.
A key focus of the meeting was the follow-up on the launch of the China-Pakistan-Iran corridor—a project that, leveraging the three countries' capacities in transit, trade, and logistics, could significantly enhance regional economic relations and elevate the role of Iran's free zones in regional commerce.
Forouzan proposed the establishment of a Pakistan investment liaison office under the economic deputy of the Supreme Council's secretariat, to create a direct and continuous communication channel between the secretariat and Pakistani investors, thereby facilitating the identification of opportunities and the pursuit of joint projects.
He also highlighted the potential of the Chabahar Free Zone, reaffirming Iran's readiness to expand economic cooperation with Pakistan in that region. In response, the Pakistani ambassador expressed his country's interest in expanding economic activities and investment in Chabahar, stressing the importance of leveraging the zone's capacities to develop bilateral trade and economic ties.
Forouzan further identified the establishment of a joint free zone between Iran and Pakistan—previously considered by both countries—as a priority in advancing mutual economic cooperation. He emphasized that such a zone could provide an ideal platform for increased investment, trade development, and private sector participation, and urged continued follow-up within the framework of bilateral negotiations.
The meeting also underscored the importance of sustained consultations to facilitate private sector engagement, boost joint investments, develop transit and logistics cooperation, and strengthen the position of Iran's free zones in regional economic relations.
Given the strategic location of Chabahar and the key Rimdan border crossing, the expansion of Iran-Pakistan economic cooperation in free zones is expected to pave the way for new trade routes and reinforce Iran's economic linkages with regional and Asian markets.
Hossein Forouzan, Secretary of Iran's Supreme Council of Free Trade, Industrial and Special Economic Zones, held a meeting with Omran Ahmed Siddiqui, Pakistan's Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, during which he emphasized the necessity of strengthening economic and commercial relations between the two countries.
Publish Date: 31 August 2026 - 21:03
Last Update: 31 August 2026 - 21:03
News ID: 744758