Lukashenko: Belarus, Uzbekistan need to reach $1bn trade turnover in near future
Belarus and Uzbekistan need to increase trade turnover and reach the $1bn threshold in mutual trade – as stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, during today’s expanded talks with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev
The President of Belarus stated that supply logistics and the payment system have seriously changed in recent years, shaking up the raw materials and energy markets. The entire structure of the international division of labour is undergoing global transformation. There’s more uncertainty nowadays and the level of confrontation has increased.
“Despite this, we cannot allow the well-being of the people to decline. This cannot be allowed. Strong economy – able to withstand any shocks – is the foundation of any state, so a big economic bloc is primarily on our agenda,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
He also added, “I don’t see any problems on the part of the President [of Uzbekistan] regarding co-operation with BelAZ, Belshina, etc. This means that where we underperformed somewhere, and we need to be more active. We just need to be more persistent. I primarily address the Ambassador, so make sure you don’t slow down our colleagues.”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the current trade turnover (almost $600m) does not correspond to the existing potential, “In the next 12-18 months, we need to reach $1bn, since there is agreement between governments and heads of state; a lot needs to be done. We need to ‘tie’ our relationships. Young people, who are different, will come to power tomorrow. They do not have this experience; they did not go through the path that we did. We have everything in our memory, so we must not waste this time... The two presidents are open. We blessed and supported all projects. The roadmap has been developed for three years, so let’s implement it!”
