Pakistan seeks Belarus-style tractor plant

KARACHI: Pakistan seeks to establish a Belarus-style tractor manufacturing plant and expand trade connectivity with Central Asia and Europe, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said during a visit to Minsk, Belarus.

Khan, leading a Pakistani delegation, held talks with Belarusian Minister of Transport and Communications Alexei Lyakhnovich, focusing on bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The discussions shed light on the need to accelerate road connectivity projects, which could bolster trade and create access to European and Central Asian markets.

“Belarus holds a strategic geographic position for trade, and Pakistan is keen to strengthen collaboration, particularly in the communications sector,’ Khan said, adding that his visit had been “highly productive” and would yield mutual benefits. He expressed optimism that the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s prime minister to Belarus later this month would further solidify ties. Khan also invited Belarus to invest in Pakistan’s motorway infrastructure.

Lyakhnovich welcomed the Pakistani delegation and reaffirmed Belarus’ commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. Addressing a ministerial session, Khan stressed the importance of sustained collaboration, stating that high-level visits between the two nations would help accelerate development.

Separately, Khan and his delegation toured a tractor manufacturing plant in Minsk, which has been operational for 75 years and produces more than 62 models of tractors and vehicles. With an annual production capacity of 50,000 tractors, the plant exports to key markets including Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Romania, Kazakhstan, Russia, Lithuania and Pakistan.

The Pakistani delegation was briefed on the plant’s environmentally friendly manufacturing process and advanced technology. Khan expressed Pakistan’s interest in replicating the model, citing its potential to enhance the country’s agricultural machinery sector. “Pakistan is eager to establish a similar tractor plant and benefit from Belarus’ expertise,” he said. Belarusian officials provided the delegation with an extensive tour of the facility, addressing their queries on operations and export potential.