Business news

MINSK, 11 July (BelTA) – Belarus is in negotiations with foreign companies on starting the production of electric cars in the country. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the statement during the government conference held on 11 July to discuss Belarus’ foreign policy priorities in modern times, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Makei said: “We have contacted an American company and we are working with German companies discussing the possibility of manufacturing here, in our free economic zones or the China-Belarus industrial park.”

Vladimir Makei underlined the need to expand the presence of Belarusian products on Western markets. “Since the European Union has lifted economic restrictions from Belarus, the road is open for export. Quotas on importing Belarusian textile were scrapped in March. It is necessary to take a fresh look at what and how we can sell to the European market,” he said.

According to Vladimir Makei, it is worth noting that the share of high and medium-technology products in Belarusian export to the European Union is less than 2%. The rest is raw materials and products with a low added value. “This is why apart from restoring the export of oil products and fertilizers it is necessary to promote a broad range of new-generation high-tech products to the Western markets, products that will be bought by pampered and exacting Western consumers. We need totally different standards, different looks, different marketing, and the relevant distribution chain. We need to either create such products on our own or invite Western investors in order to make such products together,” believes the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs.

Vladimir Makei stated that Western investors are not limited to those residing in the European Union. The number also includes the USA and Canada. “We could have done better in that regard although some headway has been secured this year. Shipments to the USA and Canada have increased by more than $30 million and it is only the beginning. We should use the fact that Canada will fully lift sanctions from Belarus as of tomorrow. We hope that the improved perception of Belarus’ image will open up prospects for expanding our presence over there and for bringing investments and technologies here. We should use the window of opportunity,” summed up the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs.