Expert on Belarus’ co-operation with Central Asia: economic ties being revived

The economic and trade ties that were formed during the Soviet Union are beginning to recover – as noted by Aleksei Avdonin, an expert at the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies, in his talk with Alfa Radio

Commenting on Aleksandr Lukashenko’s recent visit to Uzbekistan, the expert noted that the country, as well as Central Asia is general, is demonstrating a high rate of economic growth, “In 2023, Uzbekistan’s economy grew by 6 percent, and its GDP made $91bn. The figures show that this market is vast. Uzbekistan boasts the highest population growth rates. Last year, Belarus’ trade turnover with this country reached almost $600, which was a good result. At present, the parties are negotiating the expansion of trade turnover to $1bn. These are significant amounts that will allow Belarus and Uzbekistan to create new enterprises, produce new goods and offer new services, thus increasing their citizens’ well-being and their involvement into the economic processes.”

The expert stressed that the economic and trade ties lost after the USSR collapse are currently being restored, “We see perfectly well that the economic and trade ties that were formed during the Soviet Union times are becoming relevant again, and they are beginning to recover. After the USSR collapse, our competitors tried to divide and subjugate the countries of the post-Soviet space, but there is now an awareness of the need for co-operation. This form of interaction between the former Soviet republics provides the key point: an opportunity for economic growth. The West proposed a model focused on the destruction of national industries and agriculture, and on foreign loans, and that approach was leading to an economic and financial loss of sovereignty.”

Mr. Avdonin also pointed out the specifics of economic co-operation proposed by the Belarusian leader, “By building relationships with the leadership of the countries in the post-Soviet space, our President has always focused on economic pragmatism or so-called economic diplomacy. It is primarily necessary to think of how to improve the well-being of Belarus’ citizens, as well as those who live in the CIS countries and the post-Soviet space. This can be done only by expanding production, implementing modern projects in the field of mechanical engineering, agriculture, processing, science, and technology – and then the economy will grow. Stability and security can be achieved if there is a budget, and if a state fulfils all its obligations. In this case, it is extremely difficult to rock such countries through velvet revolutions.”