Prospects for co-operation between Belarus and Kamchatka Krai include marine logistics, profitable trade, service centres
Profitable logistics through the Northern Sea Route, implementation of major strategic projects and exports of equipment are the favourable prospects of work for Belarus and the Kamchatka Krai – as noted by Vladimir Solodov, the Governor of the Kamchatka Krai of the Russian Federation, after his today’s meeting with the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko
Mr. Solodov emphasised that the region has been closely liaising with Belarus over the past two years, but new promising areas have been outlined today. Belarusian specialists are expected to participate in the construction of the Penzhinskaya tidal power station in the Sea of Okhotsk, and another logistics project – the Northern Sea Route – is no less important. “The Kamchatka Krai is the eastern gate of the Northern Sea Route, which can make logistics twice as cheap and shorter. This is a real alternative to the Suez Canal, and the cargo turnover here exceeded 20m tonnes in 2023,” the Russian guest said.
According to Mr. Solodov, distance is the main challenge in co-operation with Belarus, and it can be overcome just by using the Northern Sea Route. Along this path, the region is ready to supply fish products that Belarus needs, also importing Belarusian agricultural machinery, as well as paint and varnish products that will ensure an increase in trade turnover. “We have agreed that we will jointly elaborate the logistics (including the development of ports in the Murmansk Region) so that to make our regions more accessible and closer. Despite the distance, we see that our interests coincide, and that we share the same goals,” he said.
The Russian Governor added with confidence that a detailed roadmap will be prepared based on the results of the visit, and it will be further presented to Belarus’ President and implemented in due time.
The parties also discussed supplies of fish and seafood to Belarus, as well as exports of fish oil and fish meal, which are used in feed production. “The provision of agricultural machinery is another direction [of co-operation]. Tractors, quarry equipment for the mining industry create an important basis for the development of the Kamchatka Krai’s economy. The opportunities are available today for direct deliveries (they were discussed at the meeting as well) and the creation of a service centre in the Far East to ensure uninterrupted maintenance. The main part of the Belarusian-made equipment is currently being purchased locally, in the Kamchatka Krai. In absolute terms, these are more modest indicators than in large regions of Russia, but the fact itself and the progress matter here,” Mr. Solodov stressed.
The parties also discussed the development of tourism, and the Kamchatka Krai Governor proposed organising school and student exchanges and developing youth tourism. Mr. Solodov also invited the President of Belarus to visit the Kamchatka Krai as part of one of his subsequent visits to Russia. According to him, such a visit would give an even greater impetus to the agreements and tourism between the parties.
