Iran’s Agriculture Minister Jihad Golamleza Nouli said on Monday that agricultural trade between the country and Pakistan is expected to increase from the current $1.4 billion to $3 billion per year within the next two years.
Nouri made his remarks after meeting Pakistan’s Minister of National Food Security & Research and Tehran’s Rana Tanveer Hussain, news television reported.
He said when part of the agreement reached his Pakistani counterpart, Iran would rely on its east neighbors to increase its corn feed and meat supply.
“Pakistan shows that it is ready to supply some of the corn needed in Iran. The level of US trade will also increase, but the country will depend on cooperation with Pakistan for at least 60% of its (imported) meat demand,” the minister said.
Nouri said Iran will increase exports of dairy, nuts, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products to Pakistan in order to balance the growing agricultural trade.
Pakistan’s Tanva confirmed after meeting with Nouri that his country will increase exports of corn feed and lean meat to Iran over the next two years.
He said imports from Pakistan are much easier and cheaper for Iran, which spends billions of dollars a year on importing two products from Brazil.
The new agreement on agricultural trade between Iran and Pakistan is because the two countries are seeking closer political and economic partnerships as a way to counter the growth of regional and international tensions.
During Monday’s meeting, Nouli praised Pakistan’s declaration of support for Iran during the 12-day war of aggression with the Israeli regime in June.
MNA/