Pakistan is developing its plans to operate direct flights to Moscow and Belarus, after launching flights to Azerbaijan, as part of efforts to enhance regional connectivity and expand trade corridors to China, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Belarus.
Federal Minister for Communications, Privatization and Board of Investment Abdul Alim Khan discussed these initiatives during a joint meeting with Belarusian Transport Minister Alexei Lyakhnovych.
Officials from the two countries participated in the meeting, which aims to enhance cooperation in the field of transport and trade, according to a statement issued on Monday.
He invited Lyakhnovych Khan to visit Belarus, stressing the need to boost cross-border trade by enhancing rail and road connectivity. He pointed out that such efforts would strengthen economic relations and strengthen bilateral relations.
Khan stressed the importance of the visit made by the 68-member Belarusian delegation, describing it as a pivotal step towards strengthening relations between governments and between companies.
He noted Pakistan’s intention to make Belarus a strategic partner for investment, benefiting from natural resources and skilled labour. Discussions also included plans to establish trade corridors on the lines of the Karakoram Highway and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to boost regional trade.
During the talks, the two sides addressed delays in highway and expressway projects in Pakistan and agreed to expedite pending initiatives. The meeting also stressed the importance of cooperation in developing infrastructure and transportation.
At the Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum, Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the untapped potential in trade between the two countries, which he said did not reflect their economic capabilities. He urged reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers to diversify trade and open growth opportunities.
“There is huge scope for cooperation in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, logistics and energy,” Khan said. Eight memorandums of understanding were signed between companies during the forum, indicating progress in bilateral trade.
Belarusian Energy Minister Alexei Kushnarenko expressed optimism about these ties, stressing their ability to enhance trade and diversify economic portfolios. He encouraged the two sides to explore practical solutions to trade challenges and enhance investment and communication.
Highlighting Pakistan’s huge market potential, Kushnarenko noted its large population and abundant natural and industrial resources, adding that Pakistani exports such as meat, dairy products and industrial products could find great demand in Belarus, while Belarusian agricultural machinery and petrochemical products are in high demand in Pakistan. . .
Minister of Industry and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain also met with a Belarusian delegation headed by Minister of Industry Aliaksandr Yavimoa. Hussain called for strengthening industrial relations, especially in the areas of agriculture and manufacturing, and highlighted Pakistan’s export potential in sporting goods and agricultural machinery. Belarus expressed interest in joint projects in the field of tractor manufacturing, electric vehicles and agricultural advancement.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to regional trade and connectivity, with plans for electronic cooperation and stronger relations within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. These efforts are part of Pakistan’s broader vision to position itself as a regional trade and transit hub.