Pakistan, Belarus vow to unlock trade, industrial potential

Islamabad: Pakistan and Belarus have expressed the resolve to explore and capitalise on the untapped potential in trade and industrial collaboration.

This resolve was expressed at a meeting between Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and Belarusian Minister for Industries Aliaksandr Yafimua in Islamabad on Monday.

Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the importance of expanding bilateral relations, especially in the industrial and agricultural sectors. He stressed the need to explore ways and means to increase the industrial cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields.

Rana Tanveer said Pakistan has considerable export potential with Belarus for items like inflatable footballs, articles of bedding and similar stuffed items, sports and outdoor games equipment, footwear, rubber, plastic and metal products.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the partnership between Pakistan and Belarus in multifaceted areas.

Highlighting the trade potential, Aliaksandr Yafimua shared that Belarus imports goods worth 17.2 billion dollars annually. He added that Pakistan's current share in this trade is not reflective of its true export potential. He said Pakistani products will be given space in the Belarusian market.

He identified key products that Pakistan could export to Belarus, including inflatable footballs, bedding items, sports and outdoor equipment, footwear, and rubber, plastic, and metal goods.

Rana Tanveer Hussain extended an invitation to a Belarusian counterpart to start a pilot project on agricultural productivity enhancement in Pakistan.

He said M/s Millat Group dealing with agricultural machinery wants a Joint Venture for manufacturing agricultural equipment in Pakistan. During the meeting, both sides also deliberated on the prospects of Belarusian investment and Joint Ventures in the area of electric vehicles.

They also discussed the opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the Small and Medium Enterprises sector. Currently, joint collaboration between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority of Pakistan and the Belarusian Fund for Financial Support of Entrepreneurs is under consideration.