ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi held a high-level meeting with Belarusian Ambassador to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa to deliberate on enhancing bilateral cooperation in science and technology, specifically focusing on joint research, standards, quality infrastructure, and halal certification.

Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Baloch attended the session, where both parties reviewed the ongoing partnership framework under the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Commission on Science and Technology (JCST), which was originally established under a 2015 bilateral agreement. This diplomatic engagement reflects a broader national strategy to strengthen bilateral ties through institutional collaboration.

Advancing Joint Research Initiatives

The discussions primarily centered on the ongoing Joint Call for Proposals for collaborative research ventures. Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi issued directives to the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) to immediately initiate the implementation and funding of two joint Pakistan-Belarus research projects, utilizing a matching grant mechanism. To ensure success, a robust framework featuring clear milestones, targets, and rigorous monitoring will be established to facilitate coordination among researchers from both nations.

Standardization and Quality Infrastructure

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the partnership between the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and Belarus’s State Institute for Standardization and Certification (BelGISS). Enhancing this institutional cooperation is expected to mitigate redundant testing requirements, thereby lowering costs for the business community, eliminating non-tariff trade barriers, and accelerating market entry for domestic goods. Similar efforts are currently being prioritized in other strategic infrastructure sectors, much like the ongoing development of urban traffic flow projects across the country.

Halal Certification and Trade Facilitation

The dialogue also addressed the critical area of halal certification and market accessibility for agricultural products. The Ministry of Science and Technology has requested that the Belarusian delegation provide a comprehensive list of proposed products for halal registration in Pakistan. This step is viewed as a prerequisite for resolving technical certification issues and enabling smoother market access. Both sides agreed that finalizing this list and expediting the technical review process is essential for mutual economic gain.

Diplomatic Commitment to Future Cooperation

Ambassador Andrei Metelitsa acknowledged Pakistan’s significant strides in communication and defence-related technologies. He reaffirmed Belarus’s firm commitment to sustaining long-term cooperation with Islamabad across diverse scientific and technological domains. The Ambassador further expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s contributions toward regional and global stability. Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi concluded the meeting by emphasizing that the government remains fully committed to fostering practical and mutually beneficial scientific partnerships, building on the momentum of recent initiatives designed to modernize domestic industries and increase export competitiveness.