On Monday, Pakistan and Belarus signed eight memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting bilateral trade and cooperation, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce. The MoUs were signed during the Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum held in Islamabad.
A 68-member Belarusian delegation, which included senior government officials and business leaders, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, followed by the visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on Monday. The visit is set to deepen bilateral relations, with extensive talks planned between President Lukashenko and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders discussed various areas of cooperation, and several agreements were expected to be signed during the visit.
The MoUs signed include agreements in various sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, energy, and agriculture. Some of the key agreements are:
- A distribution agreement between JCS Bellakt and Nutrifood & Pharmaceuticals
- A supply agreement between JSC Minsk Motor Plant and Shahzad Trade Links for 2025
- A memorandum of understanding for tire sales in Pakistan between JSC Belshina and Shahzad Trade Links
- A veterinary drug supply agreement between JSC BelVitunipharm and Mustafa Brothers
- A logistics cooperation MoU between RUE Beltamozhservice and the National Logistic Corporation
- A pharmaceutical cooperation agreement between RUE Belmedpreparaty and Bio Medical System
- A metal supply contract between JSC Beltsvetmet and Raas International Trading for 2025
- A cooperation agreement on agricultural machinery between JSC Tractor Works and Green Corporate Initiative
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the importance of diversifying trade between Pakistan and Belarus and unlocking the untapped potential in various sectors. He pointed out that current trade volumes did not reflect the full economic potential of the two nations.
Ahead of the forum, Minister Khan and Belarusian Energy Minister Aleksei Kushnarenko held a meeting to discuss further avenues for cooperation. They agreed to establish working groups focused on energy and industrial collaboration and confirmed participation in upcoming international events, including the FoodAg Processing Conference in Lahore in February 2025 and the Russian Industrial Forum in Belarus in June 2025.
Minister Kushnarenko highlighted the strong demand for Belarusian products like agricultural machinery, industrial goods, and dairy products in Pakistan. He also noted growing interest in Pakistani light industrial goods and food products in Belarus.
Both ministers expressed confidence that the MoUs would lead to new joint ventures in areas like trade, industry, agriculture, healthcare, and education. They also called for the reduction of trade barriers to facilitate greater market access between the two countries.
