November 25, Pozirk. An improved partnership between Belarusian and Pakistani companies could cut logistical costs for their exports by 15 percent, state-run media reported, citing Dźmitryj Kavalonak, CEO at the state-owned logistics operator Biełmytservis, currently under Western sanctions.
Kavalonok made this remark on the sidelines of the Belarusian-Pakistani business forum, that opened in Islamabad ahead of Alaksandar Łukašenka’s visit.
The countries need to “work out transportation solution” to ensure “seamless logistics” and smooth movement of cargoes from Belarus via Russian and Pakistani ports, he said. The approval of a bilateral law on international road transportation would facilitate the process, he added.
Business executives from dozens of Belarusian companies are taking part in the forum. Participants discussed eight contracts worth more than $17 million, said Michaił Miatlikaŭ in charge of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In the first six months of 2024, Belarusian exports to Pakistan exceeded this figure, he added, noting last year’s 250-percent rise in exports.
The Belarusian government has not disclosed data on trade with Pakistan for 2022 and 2023. The most recent data available dates back to January-August 2021, when bilateral trade amounted to $53.2 million, with Belarusian exports at $44.3 million. This suggests that exports plunged in 2022, a year when Russia launched a full-sale war on Ukraine in which Minsk supported the Kremlin.
Alaksandar Łukašenka is visiting Pakistan from November 25 to 27 and is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
His visit is taking place amid political unrest in Pakistan, as thousands of supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan march on Islamabad demanding his release from prison.
