Lukashenko: the goal in co-operation between Belarus and Kaluga Region is to exceed $1bn in trade
A delegation from the Kaluga Region of the Russian Federation is working in Minsk, with the President of Belarus meeting with its leader, Governor Vladislav Shapsha
Warmly welcoming the guests, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “In recent years (we state this openly) our countries, Russia and Belarus, have become much closer to each other, not only due to our relations at the top political level, but – as always – due to our contacts with the regions of the Russian Federation. We began to work much more closely at the level of governments, enterprises and organisations, together searching for the ways out of the current difficult situation around our countries. This has united our peoples even more, we see this and this has made them stronger. I’m convinced that the implementation of agreements with the leaders of Russian regions also made a significant contribution to the record trade turnover between Belarus and Russia registered in 2022.”
The Head of State believes that the dynamics of contacts with the Kaluga Region is no exception, “They did not stop for a single day, thanks to which we have created a certain reserve.”
The President pointed out that at present the goal in co-operation with the Kaluga Region is to exceed $1bn of trade turnover and achieve its full balance, “Minsk and Kaluga should derive the maximum benefit from collaboration. As experience shows, our economies are complementary. The enterprises of Belarus and Russia are naturally integrated into joint production chains. This is especially in demand today when we are talking about industrial co-operation, the introduction of new science-intensive technologies, and especially import substitution.”
The Head of State drew attention to the fact that Belarusian specialists are well aware of the Kaluga partners’ potential, “We are united by the positive experience of founding industrial parks and free economic zones. It is especially important to use it after many Western companies left Russia. We need to see how we could integrate into these structures and manufacture production that is currently in demand. That is, interaction is now in great demand, more than ever before.”
The President noted that the construction sector is the basis of our current trade and economic liaisons. Belarusian builders are constructing housing and social facilities in the Kaluga Region. Customers are satisfied with the pace and quality of work performed. Aleksandr Lukashenko assured the guest, “We’re ready for a detailed and substantive dialogue on this topic and we will listen to any possible comments, suggestions and wishes on the ongoing projects. Belarus is also able to meet the needs of your region in passenger, municipal, and agricultural machinery. The available financial instruments enable us to make our goods even more attractive to the consumer.”
The Head of State stressed that the sanctions confrontation initiated by the West had disrupted the established international supply chains in the food sector. We predicted such scenarios, taking the necessary steps in advance. The President also drew attention to the possibilities of Belarusian food producers, “Belarus is one of the world leaders in the export of meat and dairy products. The level of self-sufficiency through our own production across almost all major food groups in our country significantly exceeds the volume of consumption. At the same time, our processing industry is constantly modernising. I know that the agricultural sector is also a priority for you, and we are ready to provide, if necessary, assistance in the development of dairy production, arrange the supply of elite seeds of Belarusian selection, as well as highly productive feed and premixes from the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation (BNBC).”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the designated range of areas for co-operation is far from being exhausted, “There are no closed topics between us. We are ready to listen to all your proposals, which will be immediately taken into work ... We are glad to receive you in Belarus at any time. You are very close people to us, our neighbours. Therefore, come, fly in at any time, we will be happy to welcome you in Belarus and share everything you need for your region.”
