Belarus invites 150,000 Pakistani workers to address labor shortages
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan visited Belarus from April 10 to 11, 2025, to enhance bilateral cooperation.
- Belarus invited over 150,000 skilled Pakistani workers to help address its labor shortages.
- The visit resulted in multiple agreements aimed at strengthening economic relations and opportunities for both countries.
During a significant official visit from April 10 to 11, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan met with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk. This visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Belarus across various sectors including defense, commerce, and agriculture. Notably, Belarus extended an invitation to employ over 150,000 highly skilled Pakistani workers, highlighting the importance of enhancing the labor force to boost Belarus's economic development. Sharif assured that Pakistani workers are well-qualified and will contribute positively to Belarusian society. The discussions during this visit follow a established relationship that began with Lukashenko's previous visit to Pakistan in 2015-16, which was described by Sharif as a cornerstone for ongoing cooperation. This latest engagement is seen as a symbolic gesture to further deepen connections, particularly following Belarus's efforts to break international isolation while showcasing its potential as an attractive destination for skilled labor amidst regional shortages. Apart from workforce cooperation, the two leaders signed a Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation, aimed at fortifying economic relations between the two nations for the period of 2025 to 2027. This roadmap includes multiple memoranda of understanding targeting enhancements in various sectors such as military, trade, and environmental protection. The signing sessions were overseen by high-ranking officials from both countries, indicating a serious commitment towards mutual growth and strategic partnership. Sharif's visit and the subsequent agreements highlight Pakistan's aim to leverage Belarus’s expertise in modern agricultural methods, as Pakistan seeks greater efficiency in its agrarian-focused economy. By collaborating with Belarusian firms, Pakistani companies aspire for joint ventures that could lead to mutual economic benefits, especially in sectors like mining where Pakistan is believed to have significant mineral reserves. Overall, this engagement serves as a platform for future collaborations that may uplift both nations economically and socially.