Islamabad: Pakistan and Belarus reached an agreement on Wednesday after thoroughly discussing various options for a joint venture to set up a tractor manufacturing facility in the country, aimed at improving the local agricultural sector and boosting productivity.

This consensus emerged during a meeting between the Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and the Belarusian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Vadim Shagoiko.
The meeting also included the Deputy Minister of Industry, Andrei Kuznetsov, Secretary of Food Security, Ali Tahir, and Secretary of Industries, Saif Anjum.

Both parties agreed to work together on a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine project to safeguard cattle, as well as on enhancing the skills of agricultural engineers in machinery design.

The minister presented a comprehensive plan for collaboration in livestock management, seed development, agricultural mechanization, and improving market access for agricultural and livestock products.

He stressed that Pakistan highly values the proactive involvement of the Belarusian delegation, which is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture and livestock.

Pakistan has thoughtfully considered the proposals from the Belarusian side and has offered corresponding suggestions to ensure the partnership is mutually advantageous.

The minister also mentioned that access should be granted for Pakistani fruits to enter the Belarusian market.

Vadim Shagoiko conveyed his country’s interest in setting up a veterinary medicine manufacturing plant in Pakistan. The minister replied that Pakistan is prepared to support investments in the veterinary medicine sector.