Posted: 06.12.2022 16:44:00

Ambassador: economy is at the forefront of Belarus’ partnership with Azerbaijan

Trade and economic co-operation is an important avenue of liaisons between Belarus and Azerbaijan – as stated by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Azerbaijan, Andrei Ravkov, in his talk with the Novoye Vremya newspaper, BelTA reports

"The economic sphere has always been and still remains at the forefront of our partnership, as it produces a real, tangible and mutually beneficial result for both sides. A steady growth in our trade turnover well confirms this: in 2021 alone, it reached almost $1bn,” the diplomat said.

Mr. Ravkov noted that an increase in trade of the main commodity items is registered this year as well. Importantly, export and import volumes demonstrate a parity. “We supply mechanical engineering products, electrical goods, medicines, dairy and meat products, and other food to Azerbaijan. Imports of fruits and vegetables from Azerbaijan to Belarus play an important role: i.e. we have tripled the purchase of tomatoes this year alone," he said.

Azerbaijan has established and operates its own entities of the commodity distribution network of Belarusian manufacturers, and 45 dealers represent more than fifty Belarusian enterprises. Azerbaijan Trading House is successfully operating in Minsk.

"In addition to direct trade in goods, Belarus and Azerbaijan are developing co-operative ties, and liaisons of Belarusian machine builders with the Ganja Automotive Plan – which have shown an excellent example of effective industrial co-operation – are a landmark project for the two countries. More than 12,000 BELARUS tractors and about 4,000 units of other Belarusian machinery have been assembled in Ganja over the past 15 years,” the diplomat informed.

"In June 2022, we held the 12th meeting of the intergovernmental commission, thoroughly discussed all the issues on our economic agenda and identified concrete steps to implement the tasks set by the heads of our states and governments," Mr. Ravkov continued. "Following the meeting, a corresponding protocol was signed resulting in the further intensification of co-operation across the entire spectrum of bilateral trade and economic relations and the entry into new mutually beneficial projects."

"As practice shows, Azerbaijan is our reliable and important partner – not in words, but in action,” the diplomat summed up.