Pakistan, Belarus agree to expand agricultural trade through online B2B platforms

Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to strengthen agricultural and food-sector cooperation by facilitating online business-to-business (B2B) engagements between companies from the two countries.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to strengthen agricultural and food-sector cooperation by facilitating online business-to-business (B2B) engagements between companies from the two countries.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Belarusian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Yakovchits Aleksander. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, improving business-to-business connectivity and creating new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and food-related sectors.

Under the proposed initiative, businesses and relevant organisations from Pakistan and Belarus will be encouraged to participate in online B2B meetings. The sessions are expected to connect exporters, importers and other industry stakeholders and help them explore potential commercial partnerships.

The two countries identified a number of products with potential for increased bilateral trade, including seafood, citrus fruits, mangoes, fruit puree, potatoes, seeds and dairy products. Greater business connectivity in these areas could help companies explore new markets and diversify trade opportunities.

Focus on Agricultural Exhibitions

Pakistan and Belarus also agreed to encourage greater participation by businesses and agricultural stakeholders in food exhibitions, trade fairs and other industry events held in both countries.

Such events will provide companies with opportunities to showcase their products, establish business contacts, develop partnerships and explore investment opportunities. The initiative is also expected to help strengthen direct commercial links between businesses operating in the agricultural and food sectors.

The two sides further agreed to facilitate reciprocal visits by agricultural trade and business delegations. These exchanges are aimed at encouraging investment, sharing technical expertise and identifying areas where companies and institutions from both countries can work together.

Cooperation in Fish Farming

The meeting also discussed prospects for cooperation in fisheries, particularly fish farming and aquaculture.

Both sides agreed to promote the exchange of knowledge, technology and best practices in the sector. Cooperation in this area could support the adoption of modern aquaculture techniques while providing opportunities for technical collaboration and investment.

The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of more efficient fish-farming practices and strengthen cooperation between relevant institutions and businesses in Pakistan and Belarus.

Proposal for Agricultural Machinery Testing Centre

During the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain proposed the establishment of a universal agricultural machinery testing facility or centre at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), with financial and technical assistance from Belarus.

The proposed centre would provide a platform for testing agricultural machinery and assessing its suitability for use in Pakistan’s farming sector. The Belarusian side took note of the proposal and agreed to examine the initiative further.

As part of the process, the two sides agreed to conduct a detailed assessment of the proposed facility. This will include identifying the machinery and equipment required for the centre and evaluating locations suggested by Pakistan for establishing machinery testing stations.

Pakistan and Belarus also agreed to facilitate exchange visits by highly qualified technical experts by the end of 2026. The visits are expected to help specialists assess technical requirements, exchange expertise and explore practical mechanisms for implementing the proposed cooperation.

Pakistan Seeks Practical Outcomes

Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasised the need to transform bilateral cooperation into practical commercial, technological and institutional results.

He said Pakistan was interested in expanding its engagement with Belarus in emerging areas of agriculture and food security, while creating greater opportunities for farmers, businesses, investors and technical experts.

The minister highlighted the importance of stronger institutional and private-sector linkages to ensure that agreements between the two countries translate into tangible economic benefits.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in agriculture, food trade, fisheries, technology and agricultural machinery.