In a meeting between the President, the Chairman of VTB Bank’s Management Board and a member of the Supervisory Council, Andrey Kostin, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko suggested that the VTB Group expand their co-operation in new fields, including in the defence sector
“Today this is also very important for Russia. We can also do something additionally. With proper financing we can modernise and launch the production of certain products for the needs of the defence sector of the Russian Federation, alongside Belarus, since we have a common army. We have a combined force grouping here in the western direction, and it will be also a contribution to the Belarusian defence sector,” noted the Head of the Belarusian state.Mr. Lukashenko thanked Mr. Kostin for the financial support the VTB Bank provides to the Belarusian economy. In his words, during 2013, the bank’s loans amounted to around $300m. “A giant such as the VTB Group is capable of more. That is why we suggest expanding our co-operation in new areas, including in the defence sector,” added the President of Belarus.
In his turn, Mr. Kostin stressed that the VTB Bank had already been working in Belarus for six years. “We are satisfied with this work. Belarus has the right banking culture, the culture of not only lending but also returning the money,” he said, adding that the VTB Bank has been increasing its service in every area, providing loans for the government, companies and individuals.
Mr. Kostin congratulated the Belarusians on their hosting of the IIHF World Championship. According to him, the successful organisation and hosting of such an important event will show the world the potential of a contemporary Belarus.
