Pakistan will soon sign an agreement with Belarus for industrial, scientific and technical cooperation. Government of Pakistan will be relieved from value-added tax on imported goods as per agreement.

Considering the summary submitted by Industries and Production Division for ex-post facto approval of the cabinet the meeting held on September 7, 2017, to start dialog and approval of agreement on industrial, scientific and technical cooperation between Belarus and Pakistan.

The draft of agreement intended to offer favorable conditions for the development and fulfillment of joint programmes, development, and improvement of mutually beneficial production bonds of cooperation between the two countries.

Cabinet was also briefed about commerce, science, and technology, economic affairs divisions that had endorsed the draft agreement, whereas Foreign Affairs Division had authorized it from a political point of view. FBR had objected to Article-5 of the proposed agreement and suggested that it should be signed following the objection of FBR. Draft agreement was forwarded to the ECC of the cabinet for the exemption of value added tax with ECC approval on July 18, 2017. Law and Justice Division had duly scrutinized the agreement.

As per rule 16 (1)(h) of Rules of Business, 1973, ex-post facto approval of the cabinet was asked for to start negotiations and approval for the signing of an agreement on industrial, scientific and technical cooperation between Belarus and Pakistan.

Summary Air Service Agreement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Republic of Belarus was also considered by federal cabinet sent on August 29, 2017, and conferred its approval.

Cabinet meeting was held under Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the cabinet room of Prime Minister’s Office. The cabinet was explained that it considered and approved summary of Aviation Division for ex-post facto approval for initiation of negotiations and approval of signing of the ASA between Pakistan and Belarus on September 27, 2016. Air Service Agreement was signed on October 5, 2016. Approval of the cabinet for ratification was requested from Foreign Affairs Division. In terms of rule 16(1)(h) of the Rules of Business, 1973, approval of the cabinet was asked for ratification of the air service agreement between Pakistan and Belarus.