ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to accelerate bilateral trade by developing secure and mutually acceptable payment mechanisms, including local currency settlements, ahead of the upcoming session of the Pakistan–Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission.The understanding was reached during a meeting between Belarusian Ambassador to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, according to an official statement issued on Friday.Both sides expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment and industrial development.During the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan highlighted that the warm and cordial relationship between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Belarus had provided a strong political foundation for deepening bilateral ties. He said the regular high-level engagements between the two leaderships had created new opportunities for meaningful cooperation across multiple sectors.A key focus of the discussions was the facilitation of bilateral trade through practical financial arrangements.
Both sides agreed that relevant financial institutions and technical experts would continue consultations on secure and reliable payment mechanisms, including local currency settlements and other alternative financial arrangements to support businesses in both countries.The commerce minister emphasized that the establishment of an efficient payment mechanism would unlock the full trade potential between Pakistan and Belarus, making commercial transactions smoother and more cost-effective.He noted that both countries enjoy significant opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, fertilizers, engineering goods, tractors, heavy machinery, energy products and food commodities, adding that enhanced cooperation in these sectors could substantially increase bilateral trade.Labour cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions.
Ambassador Andrei Metelitsa informed the minister that the number of Pakistani workers employed in Belarus had risen significantly, with growing demand for skilled Pakistani professionals in various sectors.The two sides agreed to strengthen institutional coordination, promote transparent recruitment practices and ensure better skills matching to expand employment opportunities for Pakistani workers in Belarus.Jam Kamal Khan also appreciated Belarus’s advanced engineering and industrial expertise, particularly in the manufacturing of tractors, trucks and agricultural machinery, and welcomed the steady revival of bilateral cooperation in these industries.
The meeting further reviewed preparations for the forthcoming visit of the Belarusian minister and the next session of the Pakistan–Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission. Both sides agreed to use the upcoming engagements to advance practical cooperation, resolve trade-related issues and explore new avenues for long-term economic partnership.
