Pakistan, Belarus agree to strengthen economic cooperation

Islamabad: Pakistan and Belarus on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen their economic cooperation and enhance bilateral trade.

The understanding was reached during meeting between Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema with Ambassador of Belarus to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa in Islamabad on Tuesday (today). 

They discussed matters of mutual interest and commitments made during the 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission at Minsk, Belarus last year.

The Minister highlighted that Pakistan and Belarus share a cordial and friendly relationship and the 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission will pave way for further cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, science, technology and tourism.        

He underscored the potential for joint ventures between Pakistani and Belarusian firms for use of agricultural machinery, tractors and harvesters compatible with the Pakistani market.                         

Ahad Cheema said Pakistan has a vast potential to export textile, agriculture products and surgical equipment to Belarus while benefiting from Belarusian expertise in heavy machinery and plants.          

He apprised the ambassador of Pakistan's outlook for development of trade, commerce and agriculture and emphasized utilizing the forum of Pak-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission to boost bilateral ties.

On the occasion, the Ambassador said trade between the two countries is far below the true potential and needs to be enhanced through Government to Government (G2G) and Business to Business (B2B) interaction, trade exhibitions and harmonization of banking procedures.