Bright future: K-P to sign MoU with Belarus to enhance trade

Minister Vovk says country can transfer exploration, food technologies

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government and the Republic of Belarus will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday (today) for improving bilateral cooperation in trade technology, skill development and mineral exploration. This was stated in a handout issued after Chief Minister Pervez Khattak met Republic of Belarus Minister for Industries Vitaly Vovk at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad on Monday.

Future plans

According to the document, Khattak directed authorities of planning and development, and energy and power departments to finalise the draft of the proposed MoU so it could be signed during the visit of Belarus Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov on Tuesday.

Vovk briefed Khattak about Belarus’ potential in transferring exploration, infrastructure, transport and food technologies to K-P while Khattak informed him about the avenues of investment opportunities in the province.

INGOs

The chief minister said his government wanted to facilitate the working of international non-governmental organisations in the province.

“While talking to the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) Country Director Heather Macy, Khattak appreciated the assistance of INGOs, particularly during emergencies like earthquakes and floods,” the handout stated. However, Khattak observed INGOs must not work in isolation to avoid duplication of relief work and so the government can monitor their activities and fill gaps wherever they appear.

Macy informed the chief minister there were 130 INGOs in Pakistan out of which 40 were working in K-P, 34 in Punjab, nine in Balochistan, 35 in Sindh, seven in Federally Administered Tribal Areas and five in Gilgit-Baltistan. She assured Khattak of full cooperation in the welfare of the people of K-P.

O&G

American Energy Group Limited President and CEO R Pierce Onthank also discussed matters pertaining to oil and gas exploration in K-P.

He informed Khattak many investors were interested in K-P’s virgin fields and investment opportunities. Minister for Energy and Power Muhammad Atif and Energy and Power Secretary Ali Raza Bhutta were also present on the occasion. According to the document, both parties welcomed the offer of enhanced cooperation and trade.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2015.