Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 3 October (BelTA) – The forthcoming visit of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro to Belarus will allow finding new ways for advancing relations between the two countries, BelTA learned from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Venezuela Oleg Paferov on 3 October.

The ambassador said: “We believe that the arrival of the president and this year’s session of the trade and economic cooperation commission will allow finding the ways that will help us out in complicated conditions.”

The ambassador pointed out that the two countries have celebrated the 20^th anniversary of Belarus-Venezuela relations this year. Over 30 bilateral documents were signed during this period to allow advancing cooperation in various spheres.

The most significant results have been achieved in the production sector. “We have built factories to assemble MAZ vehicles, tractors, and road construction machines,” noted the diplomat. “We intend to increase the localization ratio up to 60%. It will allow exporting these vehicles and machines to the Mercosur market without paying taxes.” Belarusian specialists have also built a brick factory in Venezuela. An accumulator battery recycling plant is the next project in the pipeline.

Belarus is the housing construction leader in comparison with other countries in Venezuela. “Contracts have been signed for building 20,000 apartments. As many as 7,900 apartments have already been commissioned,” said Oleg Paferov.

Apart from that, an agrotown is being built after a Belarusian fashion in Venezuela. Agricultural products will be grown and made over there.