Opinions & Interviews

PM: No food shortages are expected in Belarus, Russia

An archive photo

SAINT PETERSBURG, 29 March (BelTA) – No interruptions in food supply are expected in Belarus and Russia, Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko said at the opening ceremony of the Belarusian Food Forum in Saint Petersburg, BelTA has learned.

“I am sure that even in today’s difficult situation, interruptions in food supply are highly unlikely in Belarus or in the Russian Federation. We are self-sufficient states when it comes to foodstuffs, we know how to work the land, how to produce quality food for our people. And in this regard we complement each other. Nevertheless, there are new challenges that we need to address. We should become more mobile, more flexible in bilateral cooperation, we should look for new ways to respond to market changes,” Roman Golovchenko said. He emphasized the importance of ensuring food security.

According to him, Saint Petersburg is one of the key sales markets for Belarusian food products. “Last year, we shipped almost $0.5 billion worth of food and agricultural products here. Saint Petersburg is the third biggest consumer of our agricultural products among Russian regions; it is behind only Moscow and Moscow Oblast. Our producers offer high-quality food for people who live a healthy life and choose a healthy diet,” the prime minister said.

Belarus is in the top five global suppliers of butter, cheese and skimmed milk powder, the premier noted. Belarusian dairy products account for 6% of global trade in this food segment. In 2021, the country produced 137 kg of meat per capita, which is 37% above domestic consumption. Food products make up almost half of Belarusian exports to Saint Petersburg.

“Belarusian products have long been known and loved by Saint Petersburg residents, they are available not only in supermarkets, but also in convenience stores. The Made in Belarus brand has become a synonym for quality, reasonable prices and good taste for many people,” added Roman Golovchenko.

Saint Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov also praised the quality of Belarusian products. He noted that the Belarusian Food Forum will give an additional impetus to trade and economic cooperation. According to the governor, the sanctions do not only create problems, but also open up new opportunities for expanding cooperation in various areas, including agriculture and supply of passenger vehicles.

The Belarusian Food Forum is the first such event held in the Russian Federation. It is held in a mixed format. It  includes a conference that brings together the expert community, the largest Russian federal and regional retail chains, representatives of restaurant and hotel business. It also includes a mini-exhibition and product tasting with dishes made from Belarusian products by professional chefs, as well as B&B talks.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks