Latest news with #Pakistan-Belarus
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Illegal attempts to cross Belarus-Poland border: Pakistanis among top eight nationalities involved
ISLAMABAD: Amid ongoing confusion surrounding the Pakistan-Belarus jobs agreement, new data from Eastern Europe paints a worrying picture. Between January 1 and June 22 this year, nearly 14,000 illegal border-crossing attempts were recorded at the Belarus-Poland border, with Pakistani nationals among the top eight nationalities involved. These developments come in stark contrast to the optimism generated during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's official visit to Belarus in April, where a bilateral agreement was signed, promising over 150,000 employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers in various sectors, including IT, healthcare, construction, and engineering. However, nearly two months later, the agreement remains largely unimplemented, revealed an official on Friday. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) has not issued formal guidelines nor initiated any coordination with Belarusian authorities or certified recruiting agencies. No feasibility report or cost-benefit analysis has been made public to evaluate the viability, risks, or logistical aspects of deploying such a large workforce abroad, the official added. Meanwhile, the absence of structured legal pathways for employment abroad may be pushing desperate individuals to seek dangerous alternatives. Polish authorities have already detained over 150 people this year for assisting illegal border crossings, highlighting growing regional security and human trafficking concerns. While the offer of overseas employment has generated significant interest, economic experts warn that the agreement might be overly ambitious, given Belarus's struggling economy. Still reeling from international sanctions, Belarus has experienced stagnant growth and persistent inflation. The country's average monthly salary stands at around $670–$700, significantly higher than Pakistan's average of roughly $150–$170. Moreover, Belarus's minimum wage is approximately $200, while Pakistan's current minimum wage ranges between PKR 32,000 and 37,000 (roughly $110–$125). In this context, the proposed minimum salary of $1,100 for Pakistani workers seems disproportionately high and raises serious questions about the Belarusian job market's ability to accommodate and sustain such a large influx of foreign workers under those terms. Despite the scale and fanfare of the announcement, the official highlighted the Pakistani government has not released any feasibility study or cost-benefit analysis. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Jam reiterates commitment to expand trade ties with Belarus
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan reiterated Pakistan's commitment to expanding bilateral trade and industrial cooperation with Belarus during a detailed meeting with the Belarusian Ambassador, A Metelitsa. The meeting covered a wide-ranging agenda focused on reviving key industrial projects, enhancing textile collaboration, exploring cotton sourcing alternatives, and boosting workforce exchange between the two nations. Central to the discussion was the reactivation of a Belarus-supported industrial plant in Balochistan— a project initially linked to DMV and Omni group. Though previously delayed, the project has now regained momentum. Minister Kamal emphasised that the government of Pakistan prefers utilising existing infrastructure to accelerate project timelines. 'Efficiency comes from utilising what's already in place. We aim for speed and impact,' he stated. He welcomed Belarus's long-standing engagement in projects such as tractor manufacturing, and acknowledged active proposals from Pakistani companies like HIT and Shahzad Group. He encouraged initiatives that deliver fast results and align with Pakistan's strategic priorities. A key highlight of the meeting was the proposed Pakistan-Belarus textile joint venture. Minister Kamal emphasised its importance, stating that Belarus is expected to lead the initiative with investment and technology input. 'Pakistani investment in this sector is challenging, but a joint venture with Belarusian financial and technical participation is both realistic and promising,' he noted. A Belarusian delegation and Pakistan's additional secretary have already visited the proposed site. Discussions also included potential collaboration with institutions such as Pakistan's National Textile University to support technical assessments and consultancy for spinning machinery. The two sides also addressed Pakistan's growing cotton deficit, with current domestic production at just 5.5 million bales— far below the 13–15 million bales demand. While the US remains a major supplier, potential sanctions- related risks have prompted Pakistan to explore alternative sources such as Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Ambassador Metelitsa reaffirmed Belarus's commitment to deepening industrial and trade cooperation, particularly in sectors where Belarus has technical expertise and manufacturing capacity. He expressed Belarus's willingness to contribute to joint ventures through technology transfer, engineering support, and workforce training. The ambassador also emphasised enhancing business-to-business and people-to-people ties through trade exhibitions, collaborative forums, and institutional linkages. Minister Kamal supported the idea of conducting an online Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting to review bilateral progress, adding that the Ministry of Economic Affairs Division (EAD) is already following up on related developments. Labour cooperation was another key area of discussion. With Belarus facing labour shortages, the minister highlighted the opportunity for Pakistan to supply skilled workers. Currently, around 200 Pakistani workers are employed in Belarus, with the potential to expand across manufacturing and services sectors. Both sides also explored procurement possibilities involving Belarusian industrial equipment such as trucks, dumpers, excavators, and electric buses, which have performed effectively in Pakistan's coal and cement sectors. Minister Kamal reaffirmed Pakistan's strong interest in deeper sectoral engagement, calling for timely follow-ups, active participation in trade exhibitions, and closer institutional partnerships. 'We see Belarus not only as a strategic partner but also as a trusted collaborator in building industrial capacity and creating mutual economic opportunities,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
11-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan PM ends ‘monumental' Belarus visit as both sides sign defense, trade and environmental pacts
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday concluded what he called a 'monumental' two-day visit to Belarus, during which both countries signed a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting cooperation in defense, commerce, environmental protection and other key sectors. Sharif held talks with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk to review bilateral ties, as delegation-level talks were also held between the two sides encompassing discussions on bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues. According to state media, Pakistan and Belarus signed a cooperation accord between their interior ministries along with a roadmap for military-technical collaboration between 2025 and 2027. Agreements were also inked on defense cooperation, environmental protection, postal services, trade development, business support and coordination between trade bodies, the Associated Press of Pakistan said. 'A monumental day in Pakistan-Belarus ties,' Sharif said in a post on social media while sharing details of his visit. 'Highlights of our talks included the agreement to send over 150,000 highly skilled Pakistani workers to contribute to nation-building efforts in Belarus; enhanced cooperation in agriculture and food security; and potential joint ventures in the manufacturing of electric buses and agricultural machinery — steps that will help transform our enduring bond of friendship into a lasting partnership.' Pakistan has in recent months intensified efforts to expand economic cooperation with a number of countries in and around the region, aiming to leverage its location as a transit hub for trade and earn foreign exchange. Addressing a ceremony in Minsk, Sharif said Belarus was a leader in equipment manufacturing for the mining sector and Pakistan stood to gain from closer industrial cooperation. 'There is no reason why we shouldn't benefit from your experience,' he continued, pointing to Pakistan's vast mineral resources. He also emphasized the value of establishing a direct air link between the two countries and thanked Lukashenko for his willingness to welcome skilled Pakistani labor. Sharif also spoke of strengthening Pakistan's agriculture sector with mutual cooperation, saying 65 percent of the country's population lived in rural areas. 'We need your expertise,' he said. 'We need to have joint ventures between Belarus and Pakistani companies to manufacture agricultural equipment in Pakistan so we can offer to the farmers at very economical rates, both companies from Belarus and Pakistan, they will have win-win situation.' In recent years, trade between Belarus and Pakistan has ranged from $50 to 65 million annually, though recent official visits have raised hopes for increased commercial exchange. Later, Sharif met with Belarusian parliamentary leaders and agreed to deepen inter-legislative cooperation. 'Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has concluded his two-day official visit to Belarus and left for home,' the Government of Pakistan said in a social media post toward the end of the day. 'He was seen off at Minsk International Airport by Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov and officials of the Pakistani embassy.'
Arab News
11-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan, Belarus sign MoUs for cooperation in defense, commerce, environment sectors
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus on Friday signed a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across sectors such as defense, commerce and environmental protection, state-run APP news agency said. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on an official visit to the Republic of Belarus during which he held talks with President Aleksandr Lukashenko on Friday to review progress on bilateral cooperation. Delegation-level talks were also held between the two sides encompassing discussions on bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues. Over the past six months, a series of high-level bilateral engagements, including the 8th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in February 2025 and a subsequent visit by a high-powered mixed ministerial delegation to Belarus in April 2025, have laid the groundwork for Sharif's visit. 'The governments of Pakistan and Belarus signed a Readmission Agreement as well as an Agreement on Cooperation between the interior ministries of two countries,' APP said, saying another agreement was signed on cooperation between the defense ministries of the two countries. 'The two sides signed a Program (Roadmap) of the Military-Technical Cooperation between the State Authority for Military Industry of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Defense Production for 2025-2027,' APP added. 'Bilateral accords were also signed for cooperation on environmental protection, postal services, business support, trade development and cooperation between trade bodies.' Pakistan has moved in recent months to increase trade and economic cooperation with landlocked Central Asian republics and other states, hoping to leverage its strategic position as a key trade and transit hub to connect these nations to the global market, while earning much-needed foreign exchange. Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum Corresponding with Sharif's arrival, the second Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum was held on Thursday in Minsk, marking a 'significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries,' state-owned Pakistan Television reported. Senior government officials, business leaders and other key stakeholders from both nations attended. In recent years, the volume of trade between Belarus and Pakistan has ranged between $50 to 65 million annually, according to foreign office data. 'Our presence here is part of a journey that reflects the evolving and deepening partnership between our two countries,' Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said as he addressed the forum. He said the eighth session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held earlier this year in Minsk, had opened 'new avenues of cooperation' in sectors such as trade, agriculture, education, technology, and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing that both governments were committed to removing trade barriers and promoting involvement of the private sector. Discussing potential trade opportunities, Khan identified key areas for joint ventures including textile machinery, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, information technology, and e-commerce. He also announced recent cooperation agreement between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI), describing it as an active platform for trade promotion and partnership development. Khan invited Belarusian investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan's Special Economic Zones, saying they offered attractive incentives and access to markets of over three billion people. He also noted the recent reduction in Pakistan's energy tariffs as an additional facilitative measure for investment. 'Today's forum is not just a ceremonial gathering but a practical advancement. We are witnessing the signing of a cooperation agreement between TDAP and BelCCI that will provide an institutional foundation. This includes participation in trade exhibitions, B2B events, exchange of market intelligence, and facilitation of sector-specific delegations,' Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority, Faiz Ahmed, said in his address at the business forum. 'This formal collaboration will ensure that the momentum created today translates into tangible outcomes in the coming months.'
Arab News
11-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Several agreements expected to be signed as Pakistani PM in Belarus
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on an official visit to the Republic of Belarus today, Friday, with several agreements to strengthen cooperation expected to be signed, the foreign office said. During his stay, Sharif will hold talks with President Aleksandr Lukashenko to review progress in areas of mutual interest. Over the past six months, a series of high-level bilateral engagements, including the 8th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in February 2025 and a subsequent visit by a high-powered mixed ministerial delegation to Belarus in April 2025, have laid the groundwork for Sharif's visit. 'The two sides are expected to sign several agreements to further strengthen cooperation,' the foreign office said in a weekly statement. 'The Prime Minister's visit underscores the strong and ongoing partnership between Pakistan and Belarus.' Corresponding with Sharif's arrival, the second Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum was held on Thursday in Minsk, marking a 'significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries,' state-owned Pakistan Television reported. Senior government officials, business leaders and other key stakeholders from both nations attended. In recent years, the volume of trade between Belarus and Pakistan ranges between $50 to 65 million annually, according to foreign office data. 'Our presence here is part of a journey that reflects the evolving and deepening partnership between our two countries,' Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said as he addressed the forum. He said the eighth session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held earlier this year in Minsk, had opened 'new avenues of cooperation' in sectors such as trade, agriculture, education, technology, and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing that both governments were committed to removing trade barriers and promoting involvement of the private sector. Discussing potential trade opportunities, Khan identified key areas for joint ventures including textile machinery, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, information technology, and e-commerce. He also announced a recent cooperation agreement between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI), describing it as an active platform for trade promotion and partnership development. Khan invited Belarusian investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan's Special Economic Zones, saying they offered attractive incentives and access to markets of over three billion people. He also noted the recent reduction in Pakistan's energy tariffs as an additional facilitative measure for investment. 'Today's forum is not just a ceremonial gathering but a practical advancement. We are witnessing the signing of a cooperation agreement between TDAP and BelCCI that will provide an institutional foundation. This includes participation in trade exhibitions, B2B events, exchange of market intelligence, and facilitation of sector-specific delegations,' Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority, Faiz Ahmed, said in his address at the business forum. 'This formal collaboration will ensure that the momentum created today translates into tangible outcomes in the coming months.'
