Business news

14 Dec 2023

Kazakhstan ambassador comments on popular imports from Belarus

An archive photo

MINSK, 14 December (BelTA) - Belarusian goods are appreciated in Kazakhstan for their quality, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Belarus Yerlan Baizhanov said at a press conference in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

The diplomat stressed that last year the Belarus-Kazakhstan trade exceeded $1 billion.

"If we look at the dynamics over the years, we see that trade stalled during the pandemic. When it was over, it immediately began to grow. In 2021, the growth was 10-11%, in 2022 - 14%," the diplomat said. “This year's growth will similar to last year’s. In January-September, there was slight decrease, but by the end of the year, the dynamics is likely to catch up and we will again reach the indicators of 2022."

The ambassador noted: "But there is an issue related to Kazakhstan deficit in trade with Belarus as 85% are Belarusian goods and only 15% are Kazakh goods." He explained: "Belarus receives raw materials, which are our main export item, from Russia.”

Ambassador Yerlan Baizhanov called to improve the quality of trade. "For Kazakhstan, the key economic task is the manufacturing industry," he said. “That is why we pay such attention to industrial cooperation with Belarus. Eight joint projects on agricultural machinery are being implemented in Kazakhstan, including on harvesters, tractors, various types of seeders. Today we have samples of your fire-fighting equipment. There is a pilot project on production of elevators. The leading Belarusian enterprises have managed to develop advanced technologies over the years,” the ambassador said.

According to the head of the diplomatic mission, Kazakhstan also shows interest in the fire engines produced in Belarus. “The know-how is the body of the fire engine made of fiberglass, stainless, non-flammable, and heat-resistant. Moreover, it is much cheaper than a metal body. Such fire-fighting vehicles from Belarus already work in the whole region of Kazakhstan today. We have supplied a squad of firefighters purchasing 29 vehicles.”

The ambassador added that Belarusian dairy products, including cheese, cottage cheese, and also sausages are very popular with Kazakhstan people. “We import food. Despite the fact that we have large spaces, we do not provide ourselves with some commodities. We have enough grain thanks to the development of virgin lands. But we import other products from Belarus. We also buy furniture and timber.”

“Belarusian quality is highly appreciated in Kazakhstan,” the ambassador emphasized.