Ambassador from the Republic of Belarus Mr. Andrei Ermolovich along with Mr. Vladimir Papsuev, counselor economic cooperation called on the Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Mr. Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan here in Islamabad today. Matters regarding upcoming agriculture co-operation were discussed. Federal Minister said that Pakistan is an agrarian economy and current government is committed to uplift the farmers and bring agriculture revolution in the country. The Bilateral trade was $28.8 million in 2015-16, while in 2017-18 it stood at $45.13 million. Various MoUs on cooperation in the field of agriculture between Pakistan and Belarus have already been signed. In this backdrop today’s meeting heralded the upcoming agro cooperation where Pakistan could enhance its export potential along with technical assistance from the friendly country. The federal Minister expressed his pleasure regarding upcoming visit of Belarusian Scientists in the first week of next month, the group of scientists would assist on 15 areas identified by Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) and Nation Agriculture Research Center (NARC). Moreover the visiting group will work on joint strategy regarding capacity building of researchers and two governments would work on training programs for capacity building of researchers and farmers. Moreover the minister talked about upcoming fifth session of Joint Working Group in Belarus which is likely to be held in February next year. Sahibzada Mehboob said that the Ministry plans to formally invite agriculture minister of Belarus to Pakistan as these bilateral visits will boost the cooperation between two countries in shift of technologies, machinery, dairy processing and seeds. The ambassador apprised the Federal Minister that Belarus stands 2nd in dairy products in the world and Pakistan could benefit from the dairy industry of Belarus. Federal Minister Mr. Mehboob Sultan further said that negotiations regarding viable tractors and other agro machinery/implements could be planned and also welcomed the proposal from Belarus ambassador to identify the list of potential dealers and reliable business partners. Federal Minister showed his interest in cotton picking machinery/tools of Belarus which could be benefitting for Pakistan as Pakistan is fourth biggest producer of cotton in the world. He further said that Pakistan gives great importance to Belarus and is eager to exploit the potential in the related field and the JWG and potential visit of Agriculture Minister from Belarus augurs well. The Belarus ambassador said that Belarus values its trading partner Pakistan and invited Federal Minister to the international Exhibition which is going to be held in June next year, he said it is a great platform to strengthen the ties and explore new avenues of cooperation in agriculture and its allied fields. Federal Secretary NFS&R, Dr. Muhammad Hashim Popalzai and important officials of the Ministry and PARC were also present in the meeting. *********
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