Business news

CHISINAU, 19 April (BelTA) – A total of $20 million in contracts and agreements was signed at the Belarusian-Moldovan forum on business and interregional cooperation in Chisinau, Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry following the event, BelTA informs.

“Such forums give an impetus to our cooperation. To some extent, this event is about image because here we can showcase our products. The main thing is what contracts are concluded as a result. Sixteen agreements and contracts worth over $16 million were signed at the forum. This is the specific number we know. There are some contracts, however, that remain confidential. This is why, according to our estimates, we hit the $20 million mark at this forum,” Vladimir Ulakhovich noted.

In his words, Belarus and Moldova have good opportunities to further expand cooperation, develop the existing joint ventures assembling trolleybuses and tractors, and also set up new ones. “An assembly plant for MAZ vehicles will open up soon along with plants for several other Belarusian mechanical engineering giants such as Mogilevliftmash. Moldova’s market is large,” the official remarked.

Around 60 Belarusian companies have representative offices in the country, he added.

Belarus and Moldova can tap into other markets with their joint products, including such integration associations as the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), due to the Moldova-EU association agreement and Belarus’ membership of the EAEU.

“There are very large niches to develop cooperation, for instance, food processing and agriculture. This applies to our agricultural equipment as well as our technologies and joint production. This is about stronger and more substantial cooperation. Another niche we spotted today is pharmaceutics. Belarus makes a wide range of affordable medicines. This is why we open up new opportunities,” Vladimir Ulakhovich stressed.

He added that Belarus-made petrochemicals and textile are in demand in Moldova, too.

“We have great opportunities. The global economic situation prompts small countries to team up. This is our future,” he summarized.

The Belarus-Moldova forum on business and interregional cooperation has brought together businessmen, top officials of cities and districts of the two countries. An exhibition of utility vehicles and other Belarusian products has been arranged for the delegates.