VLADIMIR, 30 May (BelTA) - Ambassador of Belarus to Russia Dmitry Krutoi spoke about new topics on the bilateral agenda following a meeting of the working group on cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and Vladimir Oblast of Russia on 30 May, BelTA has learned.
Since the beginning of the year, the trade between Belarus and Vladimir Oblast rose by 16%. "This is one of the highest indicators in the relations between Belarus and all regions of Russia," the ambassador stated. “Our basic goal that was set by Governor of Vladimir Oblast and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko last year, is to reach $500 million in trade. Some $100 million is left. I think we can do it this year and next year.”
"In fact, all Belarusian brands, all large factories (the latest examples are BMZ, Minsk Motor Plant, Kozlov Transformer Plant) are working in the Russian region quite successfully," Ambassador Dmitry Krutoi said. New cooperation projects are in the pipeline. The governor of Vladimir Oblast offered MAZ several sites for these projects, the diplomat noted.
Two topics on the agenda of cooperation with Vladimir Oblast are unique, the diplomat said. The first one is the pharmaceutical industry. "Three Belarusian partners have been selected to work out the possibilities of cooperation in various areas, including a joint venture project on the territory of the Great Stone," he said.
"The second topic is Steklograd, the largest project of Vladimir Oblast which has retained unique competencies in the glass industry and operates a center of competences in this sector. Belarus has its own investment projects and good competencies, yet, there are a number of new niches where we must offer import-substituting export-oriented products," Ambassador Dmitry Krutoi said.
Joint projects are under development with Vladimir-based Askona company, a major manufacturer of healthy sleeping products. "The company proposed to strengthen cooperation in terms of the component base," the ambassador explained.
"Volgabas has built the region’s only robotic plant for passenger vehicles in 30 years. This is a unique project, which works with 10 suppliers from Belarus. Yesterday it offered a number of interesting positions in terms the component base, where we can cooperate," Ambassador Dmitry Krutoi added.
Speaking about cooperation in the construction sector, the ambassador recalled that Belarusian builders have actually already implemented two major projects in Vladimir Oblast. "There is a large regional medium-term program for five years to build and overhaul schools and educational institutions. If our builders are proactive, we will definitely take part in a number of these objects," the diplomat said.
Belarus and Vladimir Oblast have good opportunities for cooperation in the fields of IT, artificial intelligence and tourism, Ambassador Dmitry Krutoi added.