A New Chapter in Pakistan-Belarus Bilateral Relations
The high-level, ebullient delegation of Belarus arrived on Monday in Islamabad for a three-day visit. The diplomatic team comprises 68 members, including eight ministry officials and 43 prominent business personalities. According to the FO, “They underlined the importance of Pakistan-Belarus relations and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation.” This delegation marks the beginning of significant diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Belarus, aiming to enhance collaboration across various domains, including trade and defense. As members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Pakistan and Belarus are committed to promoting regional trade and connectivity.
Diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Belarus were established on February 3, 1994. The Embassy of the Republic of Belarus was opened in Islamabad in November 2014. Following a historic visit by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, to Pakistan in May 2015, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a reciprocal visit to Belarus in August 2015. Additionally, Belarusian Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov visited Pakistan in November 2015, and parliamentary leaders from both countries exchanged visits in 2017. These engagements highlight the commitment of both nations to strengthening their bilateral ties.
February 3, 2024, marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Belarus. Several plans have been made for joint ventures between Islamabad and Minsk, emphasizing bilateral trade and focusing on economic collaboration and mutual cooperation. The 2023-2025 period is expected to witness a milestone in trade between these two cordial partners. It was noted that the first five months of 2023 saw a 30% boost in mutual trade under the auspices of the “Vision Pakistan: Road to $100 billion Exports” strategy. Pakistan’s foreign policy places overriding importance on geo-economics, as outlined in its National Security Policy. With a population of 250 million people, Pakistan holds significant potential as a long-term economic ally for Belarus.
Belarusian tractors with a capacity of over 100 hp are set to be assembled in Pakistan, which is an encouraging development for Pakistan’s agriculture sector. However, this cooperation must broaden its scope to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). The Pakistan-Belarus Trade Road Map 2025-27 aims to enhance bilateral economic ties by focusing on key sectors such as trade, agriculture, textiles, and technological collaboration. This strategic framework envisions boosting mutual trade volumes through joint ventures, investment in sustainable energy, and the adoption of modern industrial practices. With a special emphasis on electric vehicles and agricultural innovation, the road map seeks to leverage Belarusian expertise to strengthen Pakistan’s economic infrastructure while fostering long-term partnerships. It is imperative to minimize tariff and non-tariff barriers, along with rationalizing import requirements, to create a conducive environment. Pakistan’s exports in dairy and meat, wood, paper, and agriculture have the potential to increase bilateral trade. The collaboration between Pakistan and Belarus in these sectors highlights the synergy between the two nations.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, on Tuesday, expressed his willingness to deepen the military partnership between Pakistan and Belarus during a meeting with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko in Islamabad. Both emphasized the importance of bilateral security and defense cooperation. While Pakistan’s Trade Road Map 2025-27 presents significant opportunities, challenges stemming from terrorism and political instability must be addressed. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), with the involvement of influential elements from the establishment, enhances investor confidence by providing a stable and credible investment environment, which is crucial for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). However, for these initiatives to achieve their full potential, ensuring internal security and political stability remains essential.
The author is a freelance journalist.
