ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade by developing secure and mutually acceptable payment mechanisms, including local-currency settlements, before the next session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission.
The understanding emerged during a meeting between Belarusian Ambassador Andrei Metelitsa and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, according to an official statement. Both sides welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, investment and industrial cooperation. Moreover, they agreed to continue technical consultations on practical financial arrangements that would facilitate business transactions.
Jam Kamal said the cordial relationship between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has provided strong political support for deeper bilateral ties. He added that regular engagement between the two leaders has created fresh opportunities for cooperation in several sectors. Furthermore, he stressed that an effective payment system would help businesses unlock the full trade potential between both countries.
The minister highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, fertilisers, engineering goods, tractors, heavy machinery, energy products and food commodities. Meanwhile, Ambassador Metelitsa said the number of Pakistani workers in Belarus has increased significantly, while demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.
Both sides also agreed to promote transparent recruitment, better skills matching and stronger institutional coordination to expand employment opportunities for Pakistani workers. In addition, they reviewed preparations for the upcoming Joint Ministerial Commission and the visit of the Belarusian minister. They pledged to use the meetings to resolve trade issues and identify new areas of economic partnership.
