Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 16 July (BelTA) – American companies are interested in increasing food import from Belarus, BelTA learned from Charge d’Affaires of Belarus in the USA Pavel Shidlovsky. On 16 July he took part in the conference of heads of diplomatic missions and consular institutions of Belarus at premises of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The diplomat noted: “As far as export of Belarusian agricultural products to the USA is concerned, the volumes are clearly insufficient taking into account the capacity of the American market. Now Belarus intends to increase the export of confectionery products, casein, and distilled beverages. We see opportunities and interest for cooperation in the two countries. It is now necessary to convert it into concrete shipments.”

Pavel Shidlovsky said he believes that Belarus can compete on the American market as far as prices and quality are concerned. “America is a huge market. It is roomy and solvent. Distance is not a problem. This is why we use all the opportunities. Access to any level of the American government is available. The relevant contacts continue,” he added. As far as other joint projects are concerned, there are plans to arrange the training of Belarusian agricultural specialists in the USA, in particular, animal husbandry specialists.

Speaking about the annual seminar for heads of Belarusian diplomatic missions, Pavel Shidlovsky said that during the seminar they had had several meaningful talks with major Belarusian exporters, including BelAZ, MTZ, Amkodor and other ones. “It is important that the program of the conference provides both for general events to exchange views on a large number of matters and meetings that follow individual schedules. Soon I am going to meet with [head of the Hi-Tech Park administration Valery] Tsepkalo to discuss the export of IT services,” explained the Charge d’Affaires of Belarus in the USA.