KARACHI: In a surprising move beyond the cement industry, Thatta Cement Company Limited has announced plans to start assembling tractors in Balochistan through a new subsidiary.

The company informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange that its wholly owned arm, Minsk Work Tractor & Assembling (Pvt) Ltd (MWTA), has signed an exclusive agreement with Minsk Tractor Works of Belarus to locally produce BELARUS-brand tractors.

Under the deal, MWTA will have exclusive rights to assemble the tractors in Balochistan. The project is aimed at promoting industrial growth, creating jobs, and encouraging technology transfer by setting up a local assembly facility in the province.

Thatta Cement said the venture marks a strategic diversification move to expand its business portfolio beyond cement production.

Industry watchers say the decision reflects a bold step for the company and could help bring new industrial activity to Balochistan, where large-scale manufacturing has remained limited.

The initiative also comes at a time when Pakistan’s agriculture sector continues to rely heavily on tractors, even as farmers face challenges from fluctuating credit conditions and changing weather patterns.