Opinions & Interviews

“I am so glad for you. It is great that you are focused on advanced technologies because they are the future. If you were focused on the things of today, you would be lagging behind in a year or two. Instead, you take on very serious projects, and we are ready to join them, to find our niche there,” the president said.

The head of state pointed out the possibility to expand cooperation in view of the car production launch in the Chechen Republic. “Some of our enterprises, for example, Avtokomponenty, have the experience of cooperation with Russia. We can cooperate with you. Of course, you can buy these vehicle components in any other country, you can agree with any businessman. But we guarantee good quality and prices, we are very responsible partners. Our state is responsible for such things,” he said.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that it is very important to have a responsible partner. For example, Belarus lost hundreds of millions of dollars because of cooperation with irresponsible partners. “We do not have any problems with you because your state structure relies on very strong authority, there is strong influence on all sectors. It is the same in Belarus,” the president added.

He suggested developing cooperation in machine-building. Belarus has been a leading republic in this field since the Soviet Union. Petrochemistry is a promising industry. “We can offer our services in oil extraction and processing if you are interested. Our company Belorusneft is working in many parts of the world,” the head of state emphasized.

Special attention was drawn to the production of passenger and municipal equipment. “Look at it, if you like it, you can use it in Chechnya. We can set up a joint venture and produce this equipment together,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Belarusian specialists can also take part in the development of agriculture and rural areas in general in the Chechen Republic. “The Caucasus has always been famous for its rural development. I am convinced that rural areas will always be a priority in the Caucasus. Perhaps, you can fund something useful in Belarus,” the president added.

Particular attention should be drawn to the development of tourism, the head of state believes.

“We are absolutely open to you: you can look and learn. You can share your best practices with us, we will share ours. But this visit should mark the beginning of good cooperation with your region,” Alexander Lukashenko concluded.