Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak arrived in the Pakistani capital on Monday evening to attend the 10th meeting of the Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee and hold talks with senior Pakistani officials on expanding economic and commercial cooperation.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival, the minister said the leaders of Iran and Pakistan have adopted a roadmap aimed at significantly increasing bilateral trade.

He noted that annual trade between the two neighboring countries currently stands at nearly $3 billion and said the roadmap envisions raising the figure to $10 billion.

"The outlook for trade between the two countries is bright and on an upward trajectory," Atabak said.

He added that the two countries' shared economic potential and border cooperation provide favorable conditions for expanding trade.

"Through joint economic meetings, we expect to facilitate border exchanges as well as commodity trade and move closer to achieving the target set out in the roadmap," he said.

The minister emphasized that implementing bilateral agreements with Pakistan is in line with the Iranian administration’s strategic policy.

"We are seeking to make maximum use of the Preferential Trade Agreement in order to increase trade in goods and pave the way for a free trade agreement between the two countries," he stated.

During his visit, Atabak is scheduled to hold meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister and five cabinet ministers to discuss issues related to trade, industry and commerce and review ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.