In a significant development for Pakistan’s agricultural landscape, a high-ranking delegation from Belarus visited the ZTBL Head Office in Islamabad to explore collaborative opportunities in the agriculture sector. The delegation included prominent figures such as Vadim Shagoiko, Belarus’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Ilya Kanapliou, Trade Counselor at the Belarusian Embassy in Pakistan, and Sergei Stolyarchuk, Chairman of the Bank of Development of Belarus.
The Belarusian delegation proposed a partnership with Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) aimed at enhancing agricultural mechanization and productivity in Pakistan. They expressed a keen interest in providing Belarusian agricultural equipment to ZTBL’s network of farmers, which could significantly improve operational efficiency and output in the local agriculture industry.
During the meeting, the Belarusian representatives provided an in-depth overview of their country’s agricultural sector, which is a critical component of Belarus’s economy. They highlighted that Belarus’s foreign exchange revenues are largely driven by the export of cattle and agricultural products. The delegation underscored Belarus’s capabilities in livestock development, heavy machinery manufacturing, and agricultural mechanization, all of which are crucial for the growth of their agricultural exports, including dairy and meat products.
The visit underscored Belarus’s reputation for advanced farming techniques and state-of-the-art agricultural machinery, further positioning the country as a valuable partner for Pakistan in agricultural development.
In response, the President/CEO of ZTBL presented an overview of Pakistan’s agriculture sector and emphasized ZTBL’s pivotal role in supporting small and subsistence farmers. He referenced the Prime Minister Kissan Package, which allocated Rs. 33 billion in agriloans to assist these farmers, with over Rs. 10 billion specifically earmarked for farm mechanization. This financial support is vital for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in the region.
The ZTBL President/CEO highlighted the bank’s strategic importance in reaching underserved and rural communities across Pakistan through its extensive network of over 500 branches. He noted that ZTBL is committed to providing financial and advisory services tailored to the needs of farmers, facilitated by a dedicated team of Branch Managers and Mobile Credit Officers. This commitment positions ZTBL as a crucial ally in the agricultural sector, bridging the gap between farmers and essential resources.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of international partnerships and cooperation for mutual benefit and the welfare of their respective populations. They pledged to continue discussions to capitalize on ZTBL’s extensive reach in Pakistan and Belarus’s expertise in agricultural technology, mechanization, and investment in various projects.
This collaboration marks a promising step towards enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan through international investment and technology transfer. As both nations work together to leverage their strengths, the future looks bright for the agricultural sector in Pakistan, aiming to not only boost local productivity but also to position itself competitively in the global market.
With Belarus’s investment and technological support, Pakistan’s agricultural landscape is set to undergo significant transformation, potentially leading to improved livelihoods for farmers and greater food security for the nation.