Opinions & Interviews

NOVOSIBIRSK, 27 September (BelTA) – In 2017 trade between Belarus and Russia’s Siberian Federal District can reach $1 billion. The statement was made by Prime Minister of Belarus Andrei Kobyakov as he met with the Russian President’s Plenipotentiary Representative to the Siberian Federal District Sergei Menyailo on 27 September, BelTA has learned.

Andrei Kobyakov said: “We have all the prerequisites for raising the volume of trade with the Siberian Federal District up to $1 billion.” In January-July 2017 the bilateral trade was close to $600 million.

According to the prime minister, the advancement of manufacturing cooperation is a promising avenue. Examples of such cooperation are already available: a Belarusian-Russian joint venture made the first tram in Novosibirsk in June 2017.

In turn, Sergei Menyailo confirmed the interest of the Siberian region in mutually beneficial cooperation with Belarus. “We will work together. We have something to show, something to share, and something to learn,” he believes. In particular, he mentioned the high quality of Belarusian foods. By the way, a fair of Belarusian products will be opened in Novosibirsk on 30 September. Sergei Menyailo was invited to attend the opening ceremony. The Belarusian products fair has already become a traditional event in Novosibirsk. It will be the fourth such fair on record.