Pakistan and Belarus have agreed a joint venture to establish a tractor plant in the country to uplift the local agriculture sector and enhance productivity.

Consensus on this initiative was reached during a meeting between Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Belarusian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Vadim Shagoiko in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Industry Andrei Kuznetsov of Belarus.

Both sides agreed to collaborate on a foot-and-mouth vaccine project to protect cattle, as well as on the capacity building of agricultural engineers in machinery design.

Rana Tanveer Hussain, on the occasion, shared a detailed plan on cooperation in the livestock and seed sectors, the mechanization of agriculture, and increasing market access for agricultural and livestock products.

He emphasized that Pakistan greatly appreciates the active engagement from the Belarusian side, aimed at fostering and enhancing bilateral cooperation and collaboration in agriculture and livestock.

The Minister also stated that Pakistani fruits should be granted access to the Belarusian market.

The Belarusian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food expressed his country’s interest in establishing a veterinary medicine plant in Pakistan.

Rana Tanveer Hussain responded that Pakistan is ready to facilitate investment in veterinary medicine.