Opinions & Interviews

Vladimir Makei said: “Open, trustful, and constructive cooperation, which we aim for in relations with Germany, presumes that no topics for discussion are avoided. It presumes that the sides are ready to work together to find acceptable solutions for any problems.”

In his words, if the sides can see problems, then it is necessary to try to solve them through discussions in a sincere manner instead of hushing them up. “The private sector is interested in developing constantly and reaping benefits from mutual cooperation. This is why the private sector is interested in removing obstacles more than anyone else,” stressed the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs.

Vladimir Makei stated that Germany remains the most important partner of Belarus in Europe. Germany is one of Belarus’ top five trade partners. “More than 300 Belarusian-German joint ventures have been successfully working in Belarus for many years. But it is obvious that the potential is much higher than today’s level,” said Vladimir Makei.

The minister underscored the importance of resuming the council’s operation. “We believe that this council should and can play a considerable role in the economic development of our country and in efforts to bolster political independence and sovereignty,” he remarked.

According to Vladimir Makei, Belarus-Germany cooperation has been developing rather intensively recently and relies on a number of time-tried institutional mechanisms. However, the non-governmental business cooperation council is not just another Belarusian-German cooperation tool. “We expect the council to produce new, creative, down-to-earth proposals and ideas that may be explored to bolster the economy of our country,” said the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs. The council can also help with raising the awareness of the German business community — large concerns as well as small and medium enterprises — about Belarus’ investment climate, business operation terms in the country, the available taxation preferences, and promising industries.

“We believe that the council should contribute to the establishment of direct contacts between Belarusian and German companies with the consequent implementation of joint mutually beneficial projects. These expectations are not only mine as the minister of foreign affairs. From now on the operation of the business cooperation council will be in the center of attention of Belarus’ leaders and personally the president, who suggested creating the council back in the day,” summed up Vladimir Makei.