Lukashenko expects Belarus to increase mutual trade with Chelyabinsk Region
The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, met with the Governor of Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region, Aleksei Teksler
“We have a unique opportunity today to sum up the achieved results and, of course, to outline how we will build our relations in the upcoming, very difficult year,” the Head of State addressed his guest at the Palace of Independence.
Aleksandr Lukashenko admitted that he was surprised by the economic power that the Russian region enjoys. “Our last year’s trade with the region stood at about $500m. I think the figure would be larger this year because some have left [the market], and we have occupied certain niches in Russia,” he said.
Noting a huge share of the Chelyabinsk Region in the Russian economy, the President stressed, “It is very important for us to build long-term and effective relationships with you. Your region confirms the effectiveness of the Union State construction strategy we have adopted.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko added that, in 2021, Belarus and the Chelyabinsk Region significantly increased in trade, but there is still something to work on – given that there is a negative balance in mutual trade for Belarus.
“This is already our problem. We need to work more actively. We are not going to change the direction of trade with you regarding the steel. We need this, and we have built these relationships. We will try to support them. As I am informed, reforms are being carried out very successfully in your region, and they require technical re-equipment. Our Belarus is not only a machine-building country: the machine tool industry is widely developed here as well. We can work together with you in this field – supplying you something of what we know how to do,” the Head of State noted.
