The
Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile Mr. Mohammad Pervaiz Malik was called
on by Belarus ambassador to Pakistan, H.E Mr. Andrei G. Ermolovich.
Mr. Andrei G. Ermolovich appraised
minister for commerce about the trade between two countries and the opportunities
lying ahead that can provide a big boost to the bilateral trade between the two
countries. “Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Belarus have progressed rapidly over
the last two years and will grow further with time”, added the ambassador.
The ambassador also proposed that
Pakistan and Belarus can enhance trade and cooperation in different sectors
particularly Industrial Sector and Agriculture Sector. "Pakistan and
Belarus must exchange VVIP visits and also to conduct more Joint Trade Committee
meetings to improve bilateral trade and also measure the progress on
implementation of the roadmap", added the ambassador.
Pakistan's exports to Belarus were
US $ 0.6 million in 2015-16 while its total imports from Belarus were worth US
$ 28.2 million in 2015-16. The overall balance of trade is in favor of Belarus
due to large import of tractors, petroleum, machinery and auto-parts,
vegetables and synthetic fiber. Pakistan has the potential of increasing its
trade in textiles, foodstuffs, surgical goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and
mineral products.
Mr. Mohammad Pervaiz Malik stated
that the increasing ties between Pakistan and Belarus will certainly provide impetus
to further expand bilateral relations in various sectors especially economic,
trade & commerce, investment and other areas of mutual interest. “The two countries have immense potential for
economic and commercial relations and the current trade volume could be
substantially enhanced, added the minister.
The Minister further said that Pakistan
offers excellent opportunities for foreign investors especially as a result of
CPEC. Belarusian investors
can make use of the incentives provided by the Government of Pakistan and can
get benefitted from the Special Economic Zones.
Minister for Commerce stressed that
Pakistan is ready to give trade incentives to Belarus on equal and mutual beneficial
basis and hoped that both sides will hold further
meetings to improve cooperation in commerce and trade sectors.
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