TEHRAN – Iran’s exports to its neighbor Pakistan increased by 16 percent in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period last year to reach $286 million, data released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce showed.

According to the ministry data, Pakistan imported $247 million of goods from the Islamic Republic during January-March 2023, IRNA reported.

As reported, Pakistan’s imports from Iran in March also increased by 25 percent to stand at $95.6 million; the imports in January and February stood at $104.2 million and $86.2 million, respectively.

Iran was Pakistan’s ninth source of imports in the mentioned period.

Pakistan’s imports from Iran stood at $944 million in 2023, registering a 13 percent rise compared to 2022.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi left Tehran for Islamabad early on Monday on an official visit to the southeastern neighboring country.

Raisi’s Islamabad visit is taking place at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari.

During his two-day trip, the president will be accompanied by a high-ranking economic-political delegation including some cabinet members.

***Tehran-Islamabad trade exchanges to reach $10b

In his remarks before departing for Islamabad, Iranian President Raisi said that the economic interactions between Iran and Pakistan are set to reach $10 billion.

Pakistan is an important country which Iran has long-standing relations with, Raeisi said on Monday morning, adding that the two countries have had many economic, political, and religious relations, and favorable cooperation has been established between them.

Iran and Pakistan have common views and have had very good cooperation on the issues of human rights, defending the oppressed Palestinian people, and fighting against terrorism, he added.

In line with neighborhood policies and in line with the policy of holding relations with Muslim countries, we believe that these relations should be improved, Raeisi further cited, stressing that both countries are determined to promote their bilateral ties.

He went on to say that he and his accompanying delegation are scheduled to discuss several issues with Pakistani officials including the issues related to borders, security, economy, commerce, and energy.

"We consider the security of Pakistan as our security and the security of the common borders between the two countries is in the interest of the two countries and the two nations."

EF/