Drozdenko: Belarus is key partner for Leningrad Region today
Belarus is a key trade-economic partner for the Leningrad Region – as stated by Governor of Russia’s Leningrad Region Aleksandr Drozdenko at his meeting with the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko
He noted that he always visits the fraternal republic with great pleasure.
“Our meetings with you, your colleagues, and the Government are becoming a good tradition. Most importantly, these are very effective meetings,” said Alexander Drozdenko.
The current trip of the Russian delegation began with a visit to the Khatyn Memorial Complex.
“I want to say words of great gratitude for what has been done there recently,” noted Aleksandr Drozdenko. “Our delegation came out deeply shocked from the emotional and spiritual points of view. It’s all close to us. Leningraders and Belarusians are together spiritually and mentally, and this is manifested in everything.”
In this regard, Aleksandr Drozdenko recalled the Belarusian leader’s quote voiced at the patriotic forum on September 17th that ‘today, like on the eve of the Great Patriotic War, vultures are circling above us. They are circling around Belarusian, Russian and Ukrainian lands’. We simply must unite and act as a united front.
“I have always believed and continue to believe that you are our key partner today. Together with Nikolai Snopkov [Belarus’ First Deputy PM] and Dmitry Krutoi [Belarusian Ambassador to Russia], we are closely working through each issue,” noted Aleksandr Drozdenko. “Systematic work has been established. I wanted to give one figure, because it is an honour for us to fulfil your instructions to reach $1bn. In 2022, our trade turnover increased by 18 percent and totalled almost $835m. Meanwhile, in H1 2023, it rose by almost 25 percent to make up $532.8m. That is, we are reaching $1bn, and we no longer have any doubts, because the volumes continue to grow.”
In a conversation with journalists, the Governor of the Leningrad Region said that the range of mutual trade turnover over the year expanded by 70 new items, “This has never happened before. Earlier we had agriculture, oil refining and mineral fertilisers, while today it is technology, equipment, housing and communal services, energy, breeding and much more. During this visit, we want to sign several new contracts for the supply of over 100 modern gas boiler houses. Gasification of small towns and villages is actively underway in the Leningrad Region, and we need modern compact boiler houses produced in Belarus.”
According to Aleksandr Drozdenko, trade fairs and shops with Belarusian products are opening in the region, “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel in terms of what we can buy from you. Moreover, we have begun to develop very good lending schemes that are beneficial to us. We don’t need to invest budget money. We can receive a service or product here and now, and then pay off through leasing and credit schemes.”
At a meeting with the President, Aleksandr Drozdenko noted that the region purchases a large amount of Belarusian equipment, “Since the beginning of this year alone, we have purchased 110 units of equipment worth over 300m Russian Roubles. By the way, subsidies amounted to more than 90m Russian Roubles, i.e., we subsidised almost a third for the purchase of equipment. Our farmers, road workers, foresters choose Belarusian equipment because it has a very good price-quality ratio.”
