Pakistan, Belarus Discuss Trade, Labour Cooperation Ahead of Joint Ministerial Commission

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Belarusian Ambassador to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa.

The meeting reviewed bilateral economic relations and preparations for the upcoming session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), with both sides expressing satisfaction over the growing momentum in economic and commercial engagement.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said the warm relationship between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Belarus had provided strong political impetus to bilateral ties, creating new opportunities for practical cooperation in multiple sectors.

The two sides discussed measures to facilitate bilateral trade by developing practical financial arrangements for businesses. They agreed that financial institutions and technical experts from both countries would continue consultations on secure and mutually acceptable payment mechanisms, including local-currency settlements and other alternative arrangements.

The minister said an effective financial framework would enable businesses in both countries to fully capitalize on existing trade potential. He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, fertilizers, engineering goods, tractors, heavy machinery, energy products and food commodities.

The meeting also reviewed labour cooperation. Ambassador Andrei Metelitsa informed the minister that the number of Pakistani workers employed in Belarus had increased significantly and that demand for skilled Pakistani workers continued to grow.

Both sides agreed to promote transparent recruitment, improve skills matching and strengthen institutional coordination to expand employment opportunities for Pakistani workers in Belarus.

Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Belarus’s advanced engineering and industrial expertise, particularly in the manufacturing of tractors, trucks and agricultural machinery, and welcomed the gradual revival of cooperation in these sectors.

The two sides also discussed preparations for the forthcoming visit of the Belarusian minister and the Joint Ministerial Commission, agreeing to use the upcoming engagements to advance practical cooperation, resolve trade-related issues and identify new areas of economic partnership.

The commerce minister conveyed his regards to the Belarusian leadership and expressed confidence that the strong relationship between the leadership of both countries would continue to promote deeper economic cooperation and shared prosperity.