Lukashenko in Pakistan - what prospects do Minsk and Islamabad have?

The Belarusian-Pakistani business forum started in Islamabad as a platform for intensifying relations. More than 250 companies are looking for a profitable partnership. Pakistan is interested in everything related not only to agriculture, but also to our engineering capabilities. As for the political will, it is at a high level. Belarus and Pakistan have made great progress in agreements at various levels over the past year. This visit should give a new impetus to mutual understanding between Minsk and Islamabad.

There are businessmen from various fields in the hall. Not only the agricultural sector with our agricultural machinery (Belarus tractors are very well known here), but also microelectronics, energy equipment, pharmaceuticals - this is already about today's interest.

In absolute figures, last year the countries traded $50 million. It is clear that they are trying to "grow" the volume of trade turnover multiple times. Not the least issue is logistics. A direct flight between Minsk and Islamabad is about five hours by plane. This is for tourists. As for cargo, it goes by sea, and this route can be shortened

Belarus and Pakistan are talking about partnership until 2027. They have already prepared a roadmap for comprehensive cooperation. Assembly production of Belarusian equipment will be established in Pakistan.

Alexey Kushnarenko, Minister of Energy of Belarus:

"There are specific intentions of Belarusian manufacturers to establish assembly production of agricultural and cargo equipment here. These can be multifunctional centers, assembly production. And we note the enormous interest of the Pakistani side in this direction. I think that this will be confirmed by specific contracts and agreements within the framework of the forum. Because already now the lion's share of exports to Pakistan is occupied by deliveries of Belarusian equipment."

Jam Kamal Khan, Pakistani Minister of Commerce:

"Pakistan also has great potential in the hydrocarbon industry. Some of our companies have been operating here for 70 years. And Belarus has significant technological experience in the use and processing of hydrocarbons. We would like to study these developments for the needs of Pakistan."

At the moment, these areas are of mutual interest to both countries.

Businessmen will work on direct contracts and getting to know each other for several days in total.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met the Belarusian leader. Alexander Lukashenko's visit has the status of "official", so the protocol is being observed from start to finish

On November 26, the parties will have a series of meetings in a narrow format and in an expanded format with the participation of members of the delegation. The agenda includes issues of regional security and work in common international organizations. For Pakistan and Belarus, this is the SCO.

The evening of November 25 will end without the presence of the press. Alexander Lukashenko will head to the Punjab House residence before the start of work tomorrow.