ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi held a strategic meeting with the Belarusian Ambassador to Pakistan, Andrei Metelitsa, to bolster bilateral cooperation in the fields of science, technology, quality standards, and halal certification.

Strengthening Scientific and Technological Cooperation

The high-level discussion, which was also attended by Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Baloch, focused on reviewing existing collaborations under the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Commission on Science and Technology (JCST). This framework, originally established by a 2015 bilateral agreement, serves as the cornerstone for ongoing joint research initiatives. The ministers evaluated the progress of the current Joint Call for Proposals for collaborative research projects, with Minister Magsi formally directing the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) to expedite the implementation and funding of two specific joint research projects utilizing a matching grant mechanism. To ensure operational efficacy, the ministry is developing a structured mechanism that incorporates clear targets, defined milestones, and rigorous monitoring to oversee the researchers’ coordination.

Quality Standards and Conformity Assessment

A significant portion of the dialogue addressed the synergy between the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and Belarus’s State Institute for Standardization and Certification (BelGISS). Both delegations emphasized that enhancing cooperation in conformity assessment is essential to reducing redundant testing procedures and mitigating unnecessary trade barriers. By streamlining these standards, the two nations aim to lower operational costs for businesses and provide more efficient market access. The ministry confirmed that an internal review regarding financial and foreign-exchange-related fee structures is currently underway to finalize the formal agreement on the exchange of technical standards.

Halal Certification and Market Expansion

The meeting extended to the critical sector of halal certification, with a specific focus on facilitating market access for agricultural commodities. The Ministry of Science and Technology has formally requested that the Belarusian side submit a comprehensive list of proposed products for halal registration in Pakistan. This documentation is a prerequisite for moving forward with certification processes. While Pakistan remains focused on broader diplomatic goals, such as those seen in the Pakistan and Türkiye Foreign Ministers regional engagements, this specific initiative with Belarus is intended to resolve technical hurdles and foster bilateral trade growth.

Future Commitment to Bilateral Ties

Ambassador Andrei Metelitsa lauded Pakistan’s advancements in communication and defense technologies, reiterating Belarus’s steadfast commitment to maintaining deep-rooted cooperation across scientific and technological domains. He also commended Pakistan’s proactive efforts in promoting regional and global stability. Concluding the session, Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi reaffirmed the Pakistani government’s priority in solidifying practical, results-oriented cooperation with Belarus, underscoring that these partnerships are vital for the continued modernization of the scientific and industrial sectors in both nations.