RAWALPINDI: Belarus Ambassador Andrei Ermolovich said on Tuesday that there were high prospects for joint ventures in agriculture, agro-based industries, pharmaceutical, light engineering, machinery manufacturing and oil and gas sectors between Pakistan and Belarus.

`The two countries are enjoying good diplomatic and economic relations and there is a need to enhance the joint ventures between the two nations,` he stated during his meeting with Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Raja Amer Iqbal.

Mr Ermolovich said `There is a huge untapped potential in industrial, agricultural, textile and pharmaceutical and the two countries can benefit from it.

He said that Belarus investors should focus on energy, information technol-ogy, marble, gem and jewelry along with other sectors in Pakistan to reap lucrative returns. `Belarus can serve as a gateway for Pakistani trades towards Eastern Europe.

The Ambassador said that Belarus Minister for Industries along with a 20 member trade delegation would visit Pakistan next month with the prime objective to hold business to business meetings as well as visiting RCCI to improve economic ties.

Mr Iqbal said that the country`s economy offered great potential to Belarus investors for joint ventures and investment.

Mr Ermolovich also highlighted the importance of exchange of trade delegations and said the business community of Pakistan should actively participate in trade exhibitions and fairs being organised in Belarus. He appreciated the role of local traders in promoting business activities in the region.