Opinions & Interviews

GOMEL, 26 October (BelTA) – Regions of Belarus and Ukraine should make a contribution to increasing the bilateral trade up to $8 billion, Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister Igor Lyashenko said at the opening of the plenary session of the 1^st Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine on 26 October, BelTA has learned.

Igor Lyashenko noted that the heads of state set the task to raise the bilateral trade to $8 billion in 2019. “Joint efforts are needed to fulfill this task. It is highly imperative that regions make their contribution to achieving this task,” he said.

Igor Lyashenko noted that in terms of Ukrainian regions, Belarus cooperates most actively with Kiev, Kiev Oblast, Volyn Oblast, Chernigov Oblast, and Poltava Oblast; trade and economic cooperation is gaining momentum with Vinnitsa Oblast, Zaporozhie Oblast, Nikolayev Oblast, Kharkov Oblast and Sumy Oblast.

Belarus’ exports to Ukraine are rather diverse and include petroleum products, trucks, fertilizers, tractors, tires and many more. At the same time, the quality of Ukrainian products is well known in Belarus.

Igor Lyashenko emphasized the need for closer cooperation in manufacturing and agriculture. “Potential of the bilateral cooperation is far from being exhausted. We have great reserves in mechanical engineering, energy and agribusiness,” he said. Cooperation opportunities offered by transportation and logistics are not used in full, either.

The deputy premier emphasized that the two countries need to remove restrictions and barriers in mutual trade.