The 9th Session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Islamabad on 11-12 August 2026.
The Session was co-chaired by H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and H.E. Dzianis Maroz, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Belarus.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce, reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to its longstanding relationship with Belarus, rooted in mutual trust, sovereign equality and shared interests. He noted that strong political leadership had further strengthened bilateral ties and provided a solid foundation for expanding cooperation and exploring new avenues of mutual benefit.
It was added that the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) remained a cornerstone of the bilateral partnership, providing an important platform to strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors. In view of the evolving global landscape, the Federal Minister for Commerce highlighted the need to explore new avenues of growth, diversify markets and identify opportunities that could deliver measurable and tangible benefits for the institutions and peoples of both countries.
H.E. Dzianis Maroz, Minister of Energy, appreciated the warm reception and constructive discussions with Government of Pakistan counterparts. Noting the positive momentum in bilateral economic relations and the potential for both countries to complement each other, the Belarus Co-Chair reaffirmed Belarus’s readiness to support and expand cooperation across diverse sectors and welcomed the development of new initiatives to further advance bilateral ties.
Mr. Muhammad Humir Karim Kidwai, Secretary, Economic Affairs Division, briefed the meeting on progress in implementing decisions of the 8th JMC and the outcomes of the technical session of the 9th JMC.
Both sides appreciated the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Trade to identify new opportunities, address trade-related issues and strengthen coordination between the two sides. The two sides agreed to establish a Joint Feasibility Study Group to examine the prospects of a Bilateral Trade Agreement on Services and appreciated the work of the Joint Feasibility Study Group on the Pakistan-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement and its recommendation to move towards negotiations in accordance with the directions of the Ministers of Trade of both sides.
In area of Industrial cooperation, the continued bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Belarus was reaffirmed to promote technology transfer and industrial collaboration, particularly through stronger cooperation between small and medium enterprises.
The Pakistani side expressed its readiness to facilitate the deployment of Pakistani workforce through a structured and mutually agreed mechanism. It was added this initiative would not only benefit the Belarusian economy but also provide meaningful livelihoods to the Pakistani youth.
Agriculture was reaffirmed as a sector with strong potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment. Pakistan and Belarus agreed to facilitate online B2B sessions covering seafood, fruits, vegetables, seeds and dairy products. It was further agreed to enhance participation in agricultural exhibitions, food fairs and reciprocal business delegations to foster partnerships, investment and knowledge exchange.
In the field of science and technology, Pakistan proposed initiating work towards a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the State Committee for Standardization of the Republic of Belarus and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority. The proposed arrangement would support mutual recognition of standards, testing and conformity assessment procedures and help facilitate bilateral trade. Belarus also proposed exploring cooperation in emerging technologies, including water conservation, solid waste management and wastewater treatment technologies.
The Co-Chairs signed the agreed Minutes/Protocol of the 9th Session, formalizing the decisions and understandings reached during the two-day deliberations. A MoU between the National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus and Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), which will provide a framework for enhanced cooperation in broadcasting, content exchange and professional engagement between the media institutions of the two countries was also signed.
Concluding the JMC, the Co-Chairs appreciated the constructive engagement and dedicated efforts of the delegations of Pakistan and Belarus in advancing the bilateral economic partnership. They noted that the Session had provided an important platform for reviewing progress, resolving outstanding issues and identifying practical avenues for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. The Co-Chairs particularly welcomed the growing engagement between the two countries’ institutions and expressed confidence that the decisions reached during the Session would contribute to increased bilateral trade and investment, stronger business-to-business linkages, enhanced connectivity and greater cooperation in emerging areas of mutual interest.
