ISLAMABAD,25 NOV (DNA) -Ambassador of Belarus H.E. Dr. Andrei M. Ermolovich visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry and said that his country was interested to increase cooperation with Pakistan as both countries possessed good potential to enhance bilateral trade.
He said Belarus was one of the most industrialized countries located in the heart of Europe and Pakistan could achieve better access to this region promoting trade with Belarus. He identified automobiles, construction, agriculture, energy, IT, steel, furniture, household equipment, textiles, meat & dairy sectors etc. as potential areas of cooperation between the two countries.
He urged Belarus has signed a Customs Union agreement with Russia and Kazakhstan and Pakistani exporters could get free access to these countries by promoting exports with Belarus. He said the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was ready to sign MoU of cooperation with ICCI and shared the draft of said agreement to promote mutually advantageous commercial and industrial interests between both countries.
Dr. Andrei M. Ermolovich said that Belarus was still waiting for the appointment of a focal person by the Government of Pakistan to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries. He was hopeful that the planned establishment of railway links between Pakistan and Turkey will 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, M. Shakeel Munir, Acting President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Belarus was just US$ 215 million in 2013, which could be improved significantly by encouraging frequent exchange of business delegations.
He said Belarus should assist Pakistan with technology transfer and sharing expertise, especially in the fields of energy, mining, transport, pharmaceuticals, agriculture & food, scientific and technical areas.
He said Pakistan offered lucrative incentives to foreign investors and Belarusian investors should explore Pakistan for investment and joint ventures. He said Belarus should import agricultural products and fruits from Pakistan while it could export fertilizers and petrochemical products to Pakistan. He said ICCI was ready to sign MoU with Belarusian Chamber of Commerce & Industry to enhance mutually beneficial relations between the two countries. DNA
