Business news

MOSCOW, 16 February (BelTA) – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Igor Petrishenko met with Penza Oblast Governor Ivan Belozertsev in Moscow on 16 February to discuss measures to diversify Belarus’ exports to the Russian region, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Embassy in Russia.

The parties discussed the draft plan of events for 2016-2018 for the implementation of the agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation between the governments of Belarus and Penza Oblast.

“Igor Petrishenko and Ivan Belozertsev talked over the use of Belarus-made agricultural machines in Penza Oblast. The work and performance of Belarus' representative offices and dealerships were evaluated. The sides also reviewed measures to further diversify Belarus’ exports of goods and services,” the press service said.

Igor Petrishenko and Ivan Belozertsev also noted that Belarus and Penza Oblast have great potential for expanding and strengthening cooperation in import substitution, agriculture, construction, passenger transportation, science, advanced technologies, and investments.

“The parties confirmed mutual interest in bolstering contacts and using every opportunity for the expansion of mutually beneficial trade, economic, and cultural cooperation,” the press service added.

In 2015, the trade between Belarus and Penza Oblast made up $49.4 million, down 18.3% from 2014. Belarus exported $25 million worth of products (down by 30.4%), and imported $24.4 million worth of goods (a decline of 0.5%). The country had a foreign trade surplus. In 2015, Belarus’ major exports to Penza Oblast were chipboard, non-electric kitchen appliances, sugar, nuts and fruit products, central heating radiators, animal feed, and elevators.