Business news

NOVOSIBIRSK, 27 September (BelTA) – Belarus intends to increase trade with Russia’s Novosibirsk Oblast at least up to $500 million in the coming years, Belarusian Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov said as he met with Novosibirsk Oblast Governor Vladimir Gorodetsky on 27 September, BelTA has learned.

Belarus-Novosibirsk Oblast trade can reach $300 million by the year-end. According to Andrei Kobyakov, the current volume of trade does not reflect the full potential of Belarus and Novosibirsk Oblast.

“We can supply much more mechanical engineering products. We would like to draw attention to the innovative urban electric transport, namely autonomous electric buses and trolleybuses,” the Belarusian prime minister remarked.

Belarus suggested considering Belarus’ MTZ and Gomselmash companies as key suppliers of agricultural equipment to Novosibirsk Oblast, taking into account the plans to buy tractors, grain and forage harvesters, and carry out a large-scale state agricultural development program in the Russian region. Belarus can offer mutually acceptable financial instruments, including leasing, state subsidies, and concessional loans.

“The expansion of Belarus-Novosibirsk Oblast interaction and industrial cooperation is of mutual interest for both sides in terms of bolstering economic ties and import substitution. We already have some positive examples, for instance, the joint production of trams. Three trams have been rolled out; there are twelve more to come. There is only one question: why have not we done it before? It has always been there, in fact,” the prime minister noted.

Belarus and Novosibirsk Oblast have earlier discussed the joint production of elevators. Andrei Kobyakov suggested returning to this matter.

“All these projects require certain support from the oblast’s administration. No pain, no gain. We do not demand some special preferences or benefits. We simply ask for equal conditions. We know our possibilities and the quality of our products. I believe that we can expand our presence on the market of Novosibirsk Oblast,” Andrei Kobyakov said.

There are also prospects for boosting cooperation in construction. Belarus’ leading design and construction companies are ready to take part in housing construction programs in the region, including energy-efficient ones, and also in the design and construction of multi-purpose cultural and sports facilities, administrative buildings, health facilities, schools, and kindergartens.