Pakistan considers proposal to assemble Belarus tractors locally

Participants highlight market potential, call for private sector involvement

A proposal to assemble Belarus tractors in Pakistan has been discussed at a meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan. The session was attended by representatives of Margalla Heavy Industries Ltd, Heavy Industries Taxila, and Green Corporate Initiatives.

The plan under consideration calls for assembling 57 to 80 horsepower Belarus tractors using completely knocked down kits imported from abroad. According to figures shared at the meeting, demand for such tractors in Pakistan could reach around 2,800 units over the next five years.

Participants also noted that some investors had already shown interest in supporting the initiative, with calls for broader engagement from the private sector.

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Stakeholders present described the proposal as an opportunity to expand the availability of farm machinery in the country. They highlighted the potential to strengthen agricultural mechanization, reduce reliance on fully built imports, and encourage industrial cooperation with Belarus.

At the same time, the discussions made clear that the project remains at a preliminary stage. Key questions such as the level of investment, the scale of production, and the timeframe for operations are yet to be settled. No announcement was made regarding when assembly might begin, and further consultations are expected before decisions are finalized.

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The proposal comes at a time when Pakistan’s tractor industry continues to experience pressure from fluctuating demand, rising costs, and supply chain constraints. Introducing a new assembly option, participants suggested, could provide an alternative for farmers and contribute to market stability.

Officials and company representatives agreed that the way forward will depend on concrete commitments from investors and clarity on the terms of collaboration. Until those details are determined, the plan remains a proposal under discussion.