Daily Times

Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa on Tuesday expressed keen interest in bolstering bilateral ties, besides maximizing existing trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

He called on the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema and emphasized that trade between the two countries is far below the true potential and needs to be enhanced through Government to Government (G2G) and Business to Business (B2B) interaction.

Besides, he stressed the need of harmonization of banking procedures and trade exhibitions for further enhancing and strengthening the trade and investment relations between both the countries, said a press release.

Matters of mutual interest were discussed including the commitments made during the 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in January, 2023 at Minsk, Belarus.

The Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema highlighted that Pakistan and Belarus share a cordial and friendly relationship and are committed to strengthening bilateral ties in future. He appreciated the successful 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission which paved the way for further cooperation in trade, agriculture, health, science & technology, tourism and investment in industrial sector.

Ahad Cheema highlighted Pakistan’s potential for use of agricultural machinery like tractors and harvesters compatible with the local market especially through joint ventures with local firms. He also appreciated the government’s outlook towards enhancement of trade and commerce as well as development of agriculture.

He also apprised the ambassador of Pakistan’s potential to export textile, agriculture products and surgical equipment to Belarus while benefiting from Belarusian expertise for joint ventures in heavy machinery and plants.

He emphasized to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries utilizing the forum of Pak-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission.

Meanwhile, the Development Director of the British High Commission in Pakistan Ms. Jo Moir on Tuesday agreed for enhancing the cooperation between Pakistan and Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in key areas for the socio-economic development.

In a meeting with Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, she also assured her full support in exploring innovative green financing instruments to address climate change and support social sector initiatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The team leader of the FCDO Rizwan Azam and senior officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs also attended the meeting, said a press release. Ms. Jo Moir also outlined areas where the UK’s expertise in public administration could be utilized for strengthening the capacity of Pakistan’s bureaucratic system. The Development Director thanked the minister for the strong partnership and collaborative efforts addressing issues such as poverty reduction, climate change, financing instruments and the strengthening of financial management and accountability.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Economic Affairs reiterated the commitment of the government to ongoing cooperation with the FCDO for the socio-economic development of the country.

He expressed his gratitude to the Development Director of the British High Commission in Pakistan for the continued support and assistance provided to the people of Pakistan.

He specifically acknowledged the FCDO’s role in providing critical aid during the 2022 floods and their support for the International Partners’ Support Group (IPSG).

During the meeting, the minister also discussed strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Pakistan’s bureaucracy, highlighting the importance of a well-trained workforce in achieving national development goals.

He proposed exploring training programs based on the UK bureaucracy to build the capacity of Pakistan’s bureaucratic system. The Development Director welcomed the idea, indicating a willingness to discuss how to support this effort.