Senator: Lukashenko helps domestic enterprises open Pakistan’s huge market

Pakistan, as well as South Asia in general, is a very promising area in Belarus’ foreign policy, and much work lies ahead in this direction – as noted by Aleksandr Karpitsky, a member of the Standing Commission on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic, commenting on the official visit of the Head of State, Aleksandr Lukashenko, to Pakistan

“The President assumes the role of a locomotive, and our enterprises should follow him,” the Senator believes. “All industrial giants have partners in Pakistan, and there is a special interest in MTZ, MAZ, and Belshina. Our Pakistani partners are also interested in developing co-operation with the enterprises of the Bellegprom Concern.”

During a visit of the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Belarus this August, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the trade turnover, which amounts to just $50m, needs to be intensified, since the figure does not meet the potential of the two countries.

“The Belarusian-Pakistani business forum, which is taking place in Islamabad these days, has shown that the parties still do not know each other well,” Mr. Karpitsky added. “True, some areas of co-operation are already traditional – i.e. mechanical engineering, and agriculture – but new prospects need to be open. Among them are pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, and light industry. Pakistan is a huge market, and Belarus’ President helps open it. Future relies on the export-oriented economy, and a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.”