Iranian Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam announced the likelihood of finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s upcoming visit to Pakistan. Addressing the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), he expressed optimism that the FTA would boost mutual trade and lead to the signing of various bilateral economic and trade agreements. Dr. Moghadam stressed the importance of enhancing air, maritime, and sea connections between the two countries to strengthen economic ties and integrate Pakistan into regional and global trade networks. Highlighting the proximity of maritime links, particularly between Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan and Chabahar and Bandar Abbas in Iran, he proposed declaring Gwadar and Chabahar as sister ports. Currently, bilateral trade stands at $2.5 billion, with an 11% increase over the past 11 months. Dr. Moghadam projected that with the implementation of the FTA and other trade agreements, bilateral trade could potentially reach $5 billion in the coming years. He emphasized the potential for Pakistan and Iran to meet 70% of each other’s needs through mutual trade, citing Iran’s import of halal meat as an example of potential collaboration. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, which would benefit both countries’ domestic and industrial sectors.