‘In the light of recent developments it is extremely important to have reliable and proven allies’

New promising areas of business co-operation were discussed at the meeting of the President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko with Governor of Russia’s Stavropol Territory Vladimir Vladimirov

The Head of State noted that more than five years have passed since their previous meeting.
“I think you are well aware that in the light of recent developments it is extremely important to have reliable and proven allies. For us, you are exactly like that — our supporter and ally, on whom we can rely,” the Belarusian leader stressed. He also thanked Vladimir Vladimirov for his personal warm regard for Belarus.
The President noted that during Vladimir Vladimirov’s last visit to Belarus, a number of promising areas for the development of co-operation were outlined. Foremost, they relate to the creation of joint ventures to manufacture machines and units, the expansion of the supply of Belarusian equipment, construction and finishing materials, the exchange of food products, partnership in agriculture and co-operation in science.

“There are successes. This is eloquently evidenced by trade statistics. Last year, the trade increased by more than 75 percent. The results of the first eight months of 2023 are encouraging: 30 percent up over the high-record 2022. Nevertheless, I believe that we have not yet used a significant part of our potential to expand co-operation,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Belarus, for its part, is also ready to offer co-operation in a number of areas: the latest technologies in crop production and breeding, the supply of seeds and planting material, the exchange of experience and training of professional personnel for agriculture.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Stavropol Territory makes a wide use of Belarusian farm machines. 
“We decided to gain a more serious foothold in the south of Russia, which has a predominantly agricultural specialisation of the economy, and to set up a multi-brand trade and maintenance centre in Stavropol Territory. Such a centre will allow farmers and utility companies of the region to get better acquainted with the products that Belarus produces, purchase machines without unnecessary intermediaries and receive professional maintenance in a timely manner,” the Head of State emphasised.
Belarus is interested and ready to participate in the local programs to upgrade the fleets of passenger, special-purpose and utility equipment, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.


Speaking about the creation of joint assembly plants in Stavropol Territory (this possibility was discussed during the previous meeting with Vladimir Vladimirov), the President stated that the parties have not made much progress in this direction. In this regard, the Head of State proposed to instruct the governments to put forward specific proposals by the end of the year regarding the organisation of facilities to make certain types of engineering products in the region. 
Another area of co-operation discussed during the meeting was tourism and tourism infrastructure. 
“We have the opportunity to supply prefabricated wooden frame and panel structures and eco-friendly furniture for guest houses and hotels to the region,” the Head of State said.
In addition to the economy, Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted many other areas where the parties can and should closely co-operate: science, culture, education, and sport. 
Vladimir Vladimirov stressed the high dynamics of the development of co-operation with Belarus: various agreements are being implemented, and trade surges every year. Belarusian equipment is in demand in the region. Polesie harvesters are actively purchased to renew the fleet of agricultural machinery.

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by
Photos by belta