Islamabad (TDI): Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has emphasized the need to enhance and diversify trade relations between Pakistan and Belarus, highlighting the untapped potential of both countries’ economic capabilities.
Speaking at the “Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum” alongside Belarusian Minister for Energy Aleksei Kushnarenko, the minister stated that the current trade volume does not reflect the true potential of bilateral economic cooperation.
He underscored the importance of focusing on priority sectors such as energy, infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, and manufacturing to attract foreign investment.
The forum, attended by numerous business leaders, witnessed the signing of eight business-to-business Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), which Jam Kamal described as paving the way for stronger trade ties.
“I see significant potential to expand trade in key sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, logistics, and energy,” he said, adding that reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers would be crucial for meaningful market access.
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The minister praised Belarusian tractors, a symbol of durability and strength in Pakistan, and called for expanding collaboration to include agricultural machinery and the automobile sector.
He highlighted Pakistan’s export potential in meat, dairy, and agricultural products and stressed the importance of joint ventures for technology transfer and investment.
Pakistan Offers Attractive Market
He noted that Pakistan, with its population of 250 million, offers an attractive market with immense growth potential, and the government is committed to improving regional trade and connectivity.
“We aim to make Pakistan a trade and transit hub for the region,” he said.
The minister also announced the development of a roadmap for comprehensive electronic cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus for 2025-27, with defined timelines and responsibilities to achieve the targets.
As members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), both countries are working to promote regional trade and connectivity, he added, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing economic development.
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Belarusian Minister Aleksei Kushnarenko expressed confidence that the forum would lead to new joint projects in trade, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
He emphasized that Belarusian agricultural machinery, petrochemical products, and dairy items are in demand in Pakistan, while Belarus appreciates Pakistani light industrial goods and food products.
The forum marks another step in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, with both sides aiming to elevate their cooperation to a new level through expanded bilateral and multilateral initiatives.
