MINSK, 8 November (BelTA) - In order to gain a more serious foothold in the south of Russia, Belarus will create a multi-brand trade and maintenance center in Stavropol, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with Governor of Russia's Stavropol Territory Vladimir Vladimirov, BelTA has learned.
Speaking about cooperation in the manufacturing sector, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Stavropol Territory makes a wide use of Belarusian farm machines. "When you received our ambassador to Russia [Belarusian ambassador to Russia] Dmitry Krutoi two weeks ago, you noted that this is 56% in terms of tractors and almost 10% in terms of combine harvesters. We have big plans. We decided to gain a more serious foothold in the south of Russia, which has a predominantly agricultural specialization of the economy, and to set up a multi-brand trade and maintenance center in Stavropol Territory," the head of state said. Such a center, according to him, will allow farmers and utility companies of the region to get better acquainted with the products that Belarus produces, purchase machines without unnecessary intermediaries and receive professional maintenance in a timely manner.
"I know that today you will visit Minsk Tractor Plant. The company has developed a new model of tractor for orchards and vineyards. I think it will also be of interest to you," the president continued.
In addition to the supply of farm machines, Belarus is interested and ready to participate in the local programs to upgrade the fleets of passenger, special-purpose and utility equipment, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
Speaking about the creation of joint assembly plants in Stavropol Territory (this possibility was discussed during the previous meeting with Vladimir Vladimirov), the president stated that the parties have not made much progress in this direction. In this regard, the head of state proposed to instruct the governments to put forward specific proposals by the end of the year regarding the organization of facilities to make certain types of engineering products in the region.