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MINSK, 11 April (BelTA) – Belarus-Poland trade can gain another $1 billion, provided the two countries work for it. The statement was made by Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Boleslav Pirshtuk during the meeting with the Polish-Belarusian parliamentary group led by the Polish MP Adam Andruszkiewicz on 11 April, BelTA has learned.

In particular, Boleslav Pirshtuk noted that in 2016 Belarus and Poland did quite well since the trade turnover came close to $2 billion. “It is certainly a good figure, but the potential from the Belarusian side and the Polish one is way higher,” noted the MP. In his words, Belarus-Poland trade can gain at least $1 billion, provided the two countries work for it.

Boleslav Pirshtuk noted with satisfaction the good results achieved in establishing joint manufacturing enterprises. For instance, there are about 350 enterprises with Polish capital in Belarus. Belarusian accomplishments in Poland are modest for now, however, the reserves are available, the MP was convinced.

According to Boleslav Pirshtuk, when he met with representatives of the business circles in Warsaw earlier, he noticed their interest in setting up joint manufacturing enterprises and in joint trade. “In this situation it would be wrong not to use the market of the Eurasian Economic Union. In my opinion, it offers a unique opportunity for pushing merchandise onto the market of nearly 200 million people. I think Polish private capital is interested in it, too,” said Boleslav Pirshtuk.

Speaking about Belarus-Poland cooperation in politics, Boleslav Pirshtuk said he hopes that the two countries will be able to work in a concerted manner in the international scene. “We don’t hide our intention to more actively build relations with the European Union,” he remarked. The MP reminded that Belarus will host a number of major political events in 2017. The number will include the summer session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and sessions of the Parliamentary Committee and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Central European Initiative (CEI). Apart from that, the Belarusian parliament intends to acquire the observer status in the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. “Poland’s position is rather solid in all these structures. Your influence could have a positive effect for shaping a joint foreign policy,” said Boleslav Pirshtuk.

He went on saying: “Historical roots encourage us to work more closely together. Such actions could be beneficial for economy and international political affairs.”

In turn, Adam Andruszkiewicz admitted he shares the optimistic view of the Belarusian side on future development of bilateral relations. In his words, 2016 was a year of searching for common ways. “Indeed, relations between our countries have been developing fast, particularly in the last few years. Polish investments in Belarus have exceeded €350 million. I think it is not the limit,” said the Polish MP.

Adam Andruszkiewicz added that quite a large number of businessmen, who are interested in cooperation with Belarus, contact the Polish-Belarusian parliamentary group.