Opinions & Interviews

VILNIUS, 1 February (BelTA) - Belarus is an important partner of Lithuania in all areas, including in agriculture, Lithuania’s Vice Agriculture Minister Vilius Martusevicius said as he met with a Belarusian delegation headed by Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Alexander Subbotin.

According to the Vice Minister, the trade with Belarus accounts for a significant share in Lithuanian foreign trade in agricultural products and foodstuffs. In 2014 Belarus was sixth in terms of export among 122 partners of Lithuania. In terms of import Belarus was 14th among 109 countries.

"The trends are good. They show that we are on the right track; cooperation is beneficial to both sides. Ties are maintained by our educational institutions, inter-ministerial institutions. Experts and professionals share their experience. They meet with each other regularly, and that is the main thing,” Vilius Martusevicius said.

For his part, Alexander Subbotin noted that Belarus expects Lithuanian investors in the dairy and meat sectors, and is also interested in joint fishing projects. "Last year, we planned to produce 25,000 tonnes of fish, but we did not achieve this. We are waiting for investors in this field. We have the green light for investors,” Alexander Subbotin said.

He also stressed that trade in tractors is very important for Belarus. Belarus-made farm machines meet all the requirements of the EU.

The participants in the meeting also highlighted the importance of the international agricultural expos Agrobalt and Belagro which are held in the two countries. The two parties agreed that the two countries will participate in these shows.

The parties signed a protocol on cooperation between Lithuania and Belarus in agriculture covering the cooperation in fishing, land improvement, investments, and also the cooperation between the universities of agriculture, veterinary and phyto-sanitary agencies.

The issues topical for the two countries will be high on the agenda of the economic forum due in Belarus in March.