MINSK, 31 January (BelTA) – Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko commented on the prospects for cooperation between Belarus and Astrakhan Oblast of Russia after a meeting with Governor Igor Babushkin, BelTA learned.
Plans are in place to step up Belarus-Russia cooperation in agribusiness. "The dynamic growth of agribusiness in Russia's Astrakhan Oblast is quite impressive. We have nearly $10 million worth of trade in agribusiness and are going to increase that figure. We have all the resources for it. Belarusian baby food sells really well in Astrakhan, amounting for almost a third of the local market. Igor Babushk suggested producing dairy in Astrakhan Oblast from Belarusian milk powder with the use of Belarusian experience and technologies. We will draft a feasibility study for this project and see if it is profitable and economically sustainable," Roman Golovchenko said.
Belarusian elevators are another area of cooperation. "They proved to be very effective as the region renovated its housing stock. The governor spoke in favor of increasing the supply of elevators," the prime minister noted.
"We also opened an MTZ trade and maintenance center in Astrakhan Oblast in 2022, and since then the sales doubled. Today we decided to continue offering other Belarusian goods which would be in demand in the region. Attachments and equipment for potato cultivation, for instance, would definitely meet the local needs," Roman Golovchenko added.