MINSK, 18 July (BelTA) – Export promotion is the utmost priority in the work of Belarusian diplomats, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the annual seminar of heads of diplomatic missions and consulates of Belarus, in Minsk on 18 July, BelTA has learned.
"On the one hand, in January-May of this year the commodity exports shrank by 4.4% (almost $650 million). The main reason was the reduction in the export of oil and petroleum products, potash and nitrogen fertilizers. But on the other hand, the export of other goods, that our foreign missions assist with promoting, rose by 4%, or by more than $460 million," Vladimir Makei said.
The minister stressed that, despite the difficult political situation, export promotion remains the utmost priority in the work of the ministry and foreign diplomatic institutions. "In the second half of the year, we need to make maximum use of all opportunities and tap into all reserves to achieve the result we aim for," the minister said addressing the diplomats.