ISLAMABAD, May 31 (APP): Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Sergei Aleinik during a meeting here on Wednesday discussed the matters of mutual interest, including the commitments made during the 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in January 2023 at Minsk, Belarus.
The meeting was also attended by Andrei Metelitsa, the Ambassador of Belarus to Pakistan, Igor Bely, the Director General for Asia, Africa and Latin America, and Ilya Kanapliou, the Trade Councilor at the Embassy of Belarus to Pakistan, Humair Karim, the Acting Secretary EAD, the Additional Secretary, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, a press release issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs said.
The Minister for Economic Affairs warmly welcomed the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus and highlighted that Pakistan and Belarus share a cordial and friendly relationship and are committed to strengthening bilateral ties in future.
He appreciated the successful 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus JMC which paved the way for further cooperation in trade, agriculture, health, science & technology, tourism and investment in industrial sector.
He further highlighted that Belarusian nationals can benefit from Short-Term Training Program in Pakistan Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) under the three disciplines: Banking, Railways, and Postal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Sergei Aleinik showed keen interest in further enhancing bilateral ties and emphasized that trade between the two countries, which was far below the true potential, needed to be enhanced through Government to Government (G2G) and Business to Business (B2B) interaction, trade exhibitions and harmonization of banking procedures.
He further highlighted the expertise of Belarusian bio & medical technologies, geological exploration, mining technology, agricultural equipment, fertilizers and information & communication technology from which Pakistan can benefit.
He also appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s outlook towards enhancement of trade and commerce as well as development of agriculture. Moreover, he highlighted the significance of the roadmap for trade facilitation between both countries to achieve sustainable development.
Ayaz Sadiq apprised Serge Aleinik that Pakistan has conducive policies for investment in food processing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, agriculture, textile, energy, construction and tourism sectors.
He highlighted Pakistan’s potential to export textile and agriculture products and medical and surgical equipment to Belarus while benefiting from Belarusian expertise for joint ventures in heavy machinery and plants. He emphasized to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries utilizing the forum of Pak-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission.
The Foreign Minister for Belarus extended warm invitation to the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs to visit Belarus. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from both sides.