Pakistan, Belarus boost trade, textile ties, workforce exchange

May 20, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is committed to expanding bilateral trade and industrial cooperation with Belarus, focusing on reviving key industrial projects and enhancing textile collaboration.

Additionally, both nations are exploring alternative cotton sourcing options and aiming to boost workforce exchanges.

This was discussed during a detailed meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and the Belarusian Ambassador, A. Metelitsa.

Central to the discussion was the reactivation of a Belarus-supported industrial plant in Balochistan—a project initially linked to DMV and Omnigroup, as per the press release issued today.

Though previously delayed, the project has now regained momentum. Minister Kamal emphasized that the Government of Pakistan prefers utilizing existing infrastructure to accelerate project timelines.

“Efficiency comes from utilizing what’s already in place. We aim for speed and impact,” he stated.

He welcomed Belarus’s long-standing engagement in projects such as tractor manufacturing and acknowledged active proposals from Pakistani companies like HIT and Shahzad Group.

The Minister encouraged initiatives that deliver fast results and align with Pakistan’s strategic priorities.

A key highlight of the meeting was the proposed Pakistan-Belarus textile joint venture.

Minister Kamal emphasized its importance, stating that Belarus is expected to lead the initiative with investment and technology input.

“Pakistani investment in this sector is challenging, but a joint venture with Belarusian financial and technical participation is both realistic and promising,” he noted.

A Belarusian delegation and Pakistan’s Additional Secretary have already visited the proposed site.

Discussions also included potential collaboration with institutions like Pakistan’s National Textile University to support technical assessments and consultancy for spinning machinery.

The two sides also addressed Pakistan’s growing cotton deficit, with current domestic production at just 5.5 million bales—far below the 13–15m bale demand.

While the U.S. remains a major supplier, potential sanctions-related risks have prompted Pakistan to explore alternative sources like Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.

Ambassador Metelitsa reaffirmed Belarus’s commitment to deepening industrial and trade cooperation, particularly in sectors where Belarus has technical expertise and manufacturing capacity.

He expressed Belarus’s willingness to contribute to joint ventures through technology transfer, engineering support, and workforce training.

The Ambassador also emphasized enhancing business-to-business and people-to-people ties through trade exhibitions, collaborative forums, and institutional linkages.

Minister Kamal supported the idea of conducting an online Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting to review bilateral progress, adding that the Ministry of Economic Affairs Division (EAD) is already following up on related developments.

Labor cooperation was another key area of discussion. With Belarus facing labor shortages, the Minister highlighted the opportunity for Pakistan to supply skilled workers.

Currently, around 200 Pakistani workers are employed in Belarus, with the potential to expand across the manufacturing and services sectors.

Both sides also explored procurement possibilities involving Belarusian industrial equipment such as trucks, dumpers, excavators, and electric buses, which have performed effectively in Pakistan’s coal and cement sectors.

In conclusion, Minister Kamal reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong interest in deeper sectoral engagement, calling for timely follow-ups, active participation in trade exhibitions, and closer institutional partnerships.

“We see Belarus not only as a strategic partner but also as a trusted collaborator in building industrial capacity and creating mutual economic opportunities,” he said.

The meeting ended on a cordial note, with mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to transform goodwill into concrete, actionable partnerships.

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