Belarus and Pakistan are eager to develop ties between their textile industries. The countries will organize a textile forum to consider avenues of bilateral cooperation, including joint ventures and investment projects. Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to initiate joint ventures in the textile, pharmaceutical and lighting solution industries.

Pakistan is a leading manufacturer of cotton. The country has a well-developed textile industry. The textile sector of Pakistan contributes 57 per cent to the country’s exports. Belarus was one of the top textile producers among the Soviet republics in terms of volume. Today, 300 Belarusian enterprises operate in the sewing, knitting, wool and cotton industries and textiles account for around four per cent of the total volume of Belarusian industrial production. Export destinations are mainly Russia and CIS countries, but also EU countries.

Pakistan’s exports to Belarus are mainly rice, light pure woven cotton, styrene polymers, edible preparations, leather apparel and citrus. Imports are mainly tractors, artificial filament yarn and rubber tires. Pakistan intends to export more value-added items to Belarus.

Both sides expressed their resolve to undertake concrete measures to enhance the volume of trade as the current trade figures are not reflective of the true potential.