ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (Alliance News): Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized strengthening trade ties with Belarus, particularly in industrial and agricultural sectors.
During a meeting with Belarusian Minister for Industries Aliaksandr Yafimua, both sides discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring joint ventures in diverse fields.
Rana Tanveer highlighted Pakistan’s export potential in products like inflatable footballs, bedding items, sports equipment, footwear, and metal goods.
He also proposed joint ventures in agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturing, inviting Belarus to launch a pilot project for agricultural productivity enhancement in Pakistan.
Minister Yafimua noted that Belarus imports goods worth $17.2 billion annually and expressed interest in introducing Pakistani products to the Belarusian market.
Electric Vehicles and SMEs
The ministers discussed opportunities for collaboration in electric vehicle (EV) production, with Pakistan’s Engineering Development Board already licensing 31 companies for EV manufacturing.
Rana Tanveer shared the government’s ambitious National Electric Vehicle Policy 2019, targeting 30% EV adoption and 50% conversion of bikes to e-bikes by 2030. A subsidy scheme for e-bikes and the establishment of an EV Cell were also under consideration.
Cooperation in the SME sector was deliberated, with potential collaboration between Pakistan’s SMEDA and Belarusian institutions.
Both sides agreed to expedite the pending agreement on Industrial, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, aiming for early re-signature and convening a Joint Working Group meeting to finalize collaborative plans.
