Opinions & Interviews

The Belarusian head of state said: “There is a huge potential in interregional cooperation that can help accelerate the pace of restoring the volumes of mutual trade between Belarus and Russia. By discussing problems at the top level, we should demonstrate an example of constructive and productive cooperation to the regional power vertical. We should determine some vector of our movement at the top level.”

Alexander Lukashenko stated with regret that the sides have not been able to reverse negative trade dynamics so far. In January-April 2016 Belarus-Russia trade totaled $7.6 billion, nearly 12% down from the same period of last year. Belarus’ export to Russia was close to $3 billion, roughly 6% down from January-April 2015. Import from Russia exceeded $4.5 billion, 15% down. “But I am glad that the decreasing trade pace has slowed down considerably thanks to our concerted efforts to overcome consequences of economic instability in the world. While in January-April 2015 mutual trade turnover dropped by 30%, this year the decrease was about 12%,” said Alexander Lukashenko. “I hope that by working together we will be able to find reserves to make the positive trend last.”