MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) – Belarus and Pakistan have agreed to step up cooperation in agriculture. The decision has been laid down in the protocol of the fourth meeting of the joint group on cooperation in agriculture that took place in Islamabad on 16 November, BelTA learned from the Belarusian embassy in Pakistan.
The Belarusian delegation was led by Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo, the Pakistani delegation was headed by First Deputy Minister of National Food Security and Research Abbas Maken.
In the document, the sides praised the positive dynamics of strengthening cooperation in the field of agriculture and food, including in the implementation of agreements reached during the third meeting of the joint working group in Minsk on 24 February. Belarus and Pakistan confirmed mutual interest in intensifying cooperation, taking more effective measures to increase mutual trade turnover, developing cooperation in the fields of science, education and joint cooperation in agriculture.
During the meeting, the parties too note of a steady growth in mutual supplies of agricultural products. At the same time, it was stressed that the volume of trade turnover between Belarus and Pakistan does not meet the agreements made at the highest level to increase the trade between the two countries. In this regard, the parties expressed mutual interest in expanding the range of supplies.
Belarus confirmed its readiness to supply milk powder, cheeses, condensed and concentrated milk, butter, canned products from poultry meat and beef to the Pakistani market. Pakistan intends to increase direct supplies of rice, potatoes, mangoes and citrus fruits.
The parties agreed to help each other in the search for trading partners interested in the supply of agricultural products to the markets of Pakistan and Belarus.
The parties also expressed mutual interest in establishing direct contacts between business representatives of Belarus and Pakistan for setting up joint milk processing enterprises in Pakistan, companies producing whole milk products (ice cream, drinking yogurt, cheese, yoghurt) and baby food using Belarusian milk powder and technologies.
The sides agreed to continue work on the harmonization of phytosanitary and veterinary standards, the exchange of information in the field of quarantine and plant protection for the organization of import and export supplies of agricultural products.
The participation in exhibitions and fairs organized in Belarus and Pakistan was also discussed. Thus, Pakistan would like to take part in Belagro 2018, bring a national exposition to the event.
Particular attention was paid to the exchange of information between the scientific institutions of the two countries on the latest achievements in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, cooperation between scientific institutions in the field of animal husbandry, breeding and animal health, development of new machinery, equipment and mechanisms in demand on Pakistan's market.
An exhibition of Belarusian and Pakistani agricultural products opened on 15 November. Business representatives held talks during the event.
On 17 November the Belarusian delegation is expected to get familiar with several Pakistani agricultural enterprises, meet with members of the chambers of commerce and industry of the Pakistani regions, and hold negotiations on the establishment of joint ventures.
