Opinions & Interviews
Interregional cooperation expected to boost Belarus-Russia trade
MINSK, 17 July (BelTA) – Interregional cooperation can give a fresh impetus to trade between Belarus and Russia, Minsk Oblast Governor Anatoly Isachenko said at a panel session during the 6th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia in Saint Petersburg on 17 July, BelTA learned from the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee.
Speaking at the opening of the panel session was Belarus’ Industry Minister Pavel Utyupin. He emphasized the importance of closer links between mechanical engineering companies of Belarus and Russia as part of the Union State. He cited BelAZ as a case in point. In 2017 the company passed a program to set up technical support centers for Belarusian machinery in Russia. At present, the company is busy implementing this program.
By the way, at present some 60% of the company’s output is operated by Russian mining companies. In 2018 BelAZ shipped more than $1 billion worth of products, with about $600 million worth of output bound for the Russian market.
Anatoly Isachenko called BelAZ an example of successful cooperation in the manufacturing industry, because this type of collaboration encourages suppliers to develop new solutions and world-class products. The company is not only scaling up its output and sales in Russia, but is also actively cooperating with Russia’s suppliers of component parts, which to a certain extent motivates them to keep developing and improving their products, like generators, diesel engines, engines and other components that later make part of new models of dump trucks.
All in all, he believes that interregional cooperation holds a lot of promise, because it can give a boost to trade between Belarus and Russia. In his words, interregional cooperation is gaining momentum now. It is growing bigger, more efficient, pragmatic, and results-oriented.
Speaking at the panel session was Chair of the Zhodino City Council of Deputies Natalia Sushko. She noted that the city generates over 13% of industrial output of Minsk Oblast. “Russian partners are welcome in Zhodino. We have five cooperation agreements with Russian regions. In order to enhance the region’s investment appeal, two land plots located in the territory of the city were incorporated into the Free Economic Zone Minsk. We are ready to offer this area as well as tax benefits to Russian manufacturers. Russian investors can also get vacant land plots to implement their projects,” she said.
The participants of the panel discussion came to the conclusion that government authorities at all levels in Belarus and Russia need to step up efforts to develop diverse, mutually beneficial and effective forms of interregional cooperation within the framework of the Union State in various areas of activity, including in the socioeconomic field.
The Forum of Regions is taking place in Saint Petersburg on 16-18 July. The participants of the forum are expected to sign cooperation agreements between the regions of the two countries, contracts and other documents.
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