Prospective: Belarus eyes Pakistan as lucrative market

Ambassador wants better bilateral trade relations.

ISLAMABAD:

Belarus is interested in broadening relations with Pakistan as both countries possess the potential to expand bilateral trade, said the newly-appointed Ambassador of Belarus to Pakistan Andrei Ermolovich.

He was interacting with businessmen during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI).

Ermolovich said Belarus’ exports to Pakistan are confined to limited items including tractors, tyres, spare parts, chemical fibres and petrochemicals. “There is room for development in various other sectors including agriculture, energy, IT, steel and furniture.”

He said the chambers in both countries should enhance direct interactions and sign MoUs to explore new areas of mutual collaboration.

He was hopeful that planned establishment of railway links between Pakistan and Turkey will greatly facilitate promotion of trade between Pakistan and Belarus as it will shorten the route and provide better access to Pakistan to Scandinavian countries.

In his welcome address, ICCI President Shaban Khalid said that Pakistan is looking for new markets and trade partners as the government has offered attractive incentives to foreign investors. “It is high time the companies of Belarus explore Pakistan for investment and joint ventures.”

Khalid added that Pakistan’s steel industry possesses potential for growth and Belarus should consider setting up steel manufacturing plants in the country.

“Pakistan is trying to establish road links with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries and improved relations of Belarus with Pakistan would provide easy access to these markets,” said Khalid.

He urged that Pakistan and Belarus should facilitate their private sectors in establishing direct contacts.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2014.

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