Trade, Banking, Logistics: Belarusian-Pakistani Business Forum Opens New Opportunities

The Belarusian-Pakistani Business Forum, which took place in Minsk, was another large-scale step towards strengthening and developing co-operation between the two countries. The event, organised by the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry together with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, was attended by more than 200 companies fr om both sides, which confirms the mutual interest in cooperation.

Opening the forum, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Belarus Denis Moroz said:

– It is significant for us that such a large number of Pakistani companies are showing interest in Belarus: what it is and how it can be useful. Some managers and representatives of Pakistani companies have already been to Belarus, but many are here for the first time. I am absolutely convinced that in order to develop trade and economic relations, one should see everything with one's own eyes. At this event, Belarusian companies will demonstrate the opportunities and potential of Belarus not in words but in deeds.

The relationship between the Republic of Belarus and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is more than 30 years old. However, the visit of the Head of the Belarusian State to Pakistan in November 2024 gave a powerful impetus to the further development of co-operation. Since then, over the past six months, negotiations and communications between the state administration bodies of Belarus and Pakistan on a wide range of issues have been held at a high level of intensity. The return visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the Republic of Belarus should become a new stage in the development of co-operation.

Chairman of the BelCCI Mikhail Myatlikov, in turn, noted that the trade turnover between the countries exceeded $50 million by the end of 2024. This is quite a large amount, but it is far fr om the lim it. We have much more opportunities - in industry, agriculture, education and other areas. Just as Pakistanis have a real interest in the products manufactured in Belarus, Belarusian companies have outlined the points of contact for themselves.

– Given the population of Pakistan - more than 240 million people - I am convinced that Belarusian products will be in demand in this country. We regularly find new niches for the supply of our products. And given the Pakistani climate, we are in demand for their citrus fruits and other horticultural products," Mikhail Myatlikov emphasised.

During the business forum, the participants were shown the economic potential of Belarus and Pakistan, discussed issues of cooperation in the banking sector, discussed optimal logistics routes for delivery of goods.

Eight agreements were also signed. Among them are the Agreement on Cooperation between the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan; the Agreement on Postal Exchange; the Memorandum of Understanding between the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange and the All Pakistan Wood Sellers Association; the Memorandum of Understanding between the Belarusian Fund for Financial Support of Entrepreneurs and the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority of Pakistan.

The forum ended with B2B negotiations, wh ere interested companies could closely interact and discuss options for further co-operation.