The 8th Session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture, particularly in seed production, livestock, veterinary medicine, and fisheries.
According to a joint statement, the two sides recognized the importance of food security and pledged to collaborate to increase the volume and diversity of food and agricultural bilateral trade. It said efforts would focus on supporting the participation of business entities in international agricultural exhibitions and forums.
The meeting, held in Minsk, Belarus, featured positive and constructive discussions aimed at further strengthening economic, commercial, and technical ties between the two countries. It was co-chaired by Belarusian Energy Minister Aleksey Kushnarenko and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.
During the meeting, both sides expressed an interest in collaborating on labor migration with a view to improve labor mobility and ensure the protection of workers’ rights. Both countries also committed to holding talks to finalize Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for a cooperative framework, creating new opportunities for skilled workforce exchange and boosting economic ties.
In the industrial sector, both sides agreed to establish joint assembly plants for energy-efficient tractors and electric buses. They also pledged to enhance the existing partnership between Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila and Belarus’ MTW with a focus on agricultural machinery, transportation, and industrial equipment.
For healthcare, the commission agreed to explore avenues for collaboration in the production, distribution, and market access for medicines, medical devices, and over-the-counter products. Joint training programs for regulatory authorities and industry professionals were designated an important area of cooperation, with both sides agreeing to continue promoting technical expertise and compliance with international standards. Pakistan also committed to facilitating the registration of veterinary drugs from Belarus and ensuring mutual assistance in advancing agricultural technologies.
The two sides also agreed to develop a joint action plan to implement a MoU signed between Pakistan’s National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and the Belarusian University of RIPO. The project aims to improve vocational and technical education in both countries. Both sides further agreed to continue expanding cooperation in science and technology, including through implementation of agreements between Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences and Pakistan’s Academy of Sciences. The two sides also agreed to work toward greater cooperation in the field of national standards.
On environmental sustainability, Pakistan and Belarus reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of environmental protection, with a roadmap to be signed during an upcoming visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Belarus. Belarus also expressed willingness to facilitate a visit by the National Disaster Management Authority to explore cooperation on fire-fighting and rescue equipment.
The two sides agreed to renew the cooperation agreement between Belarus’ National State Television and Radio Company and Pakistan Television Corporation, fostering exchanges in media and journalism. The two countries will also work together to promote tourism by exchanging information on tourism products and inviting each other’s representatives to exhibitions and tourism forums.
In sports, both sides agreed to promote mutual exchange of information on sports facilities and competitions, with the aim of enhancing sports cooperation between the two nations. Both countries also acknowledged the importance of fostering correspondent banking arrangements between Pakistani and Belarusian commercial banks to facilitate financial transactions and support the broader economic cooperation between the two countries.
The event concluded with both sides agreeing to hold the 9th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad next year.