Posted: 29.06.2022 09:07:00

The process of import substitution is under tight control

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has met with Russia’s Samara Region Governor Dmitry Azarov

Photo by BELTA

“Your nation is not just close to us. You are our kin. You have come to your Belarus. It will be this way forever. The events of recent years and days once again show that we need to stand united, we have nothing to quarrel over. As soon as we start arguing, we will be divided. You are well familiar with Belarus, you have a very extensive programme of the visit. Yet, foremost, I suggest identifying priority areas for our joint work in the near term. We are pressed for time, and we should make up our mind very quickly,” stressed Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The President also warned the persons in charge in Belarus that everything that we promise must be fulfilled no matter what. Not a single project should be botched, 
“We are pleased that our products and services are fully in demand in the Russian market. Today, the question is no longer how to sell, as it was before. Today, the question is how to meet the demand primarily of our Russia, a huge country, for the goods that we produce. Our government must not turn any request or contract down, in any of the sectors. In recent days, we have thoroughly discussed this issue with the Russian president as we looked into the import substitution process. That’s the number one question. We agreed that we will keep this process under tight control.”
The Head of State is convinced that Belarus and the Samara Region can reach a billion in trade, “We just need to fulfill what we previously agreed on at various levels.”
According to Belarus’ data, in 2021 the trade with Samara Region totalled almost $700 million, up some 4 percent year-on-year. The figures dropped 59 percent this year due to the reduced imports of certain goods from Russia. At the same time, Belarusian exports is showing a good increase year-on-year (more than 20 percent). At present, domestic enterprises are not only fulfilling their obligations, but also significantly exceeding supplies of spare parts and components, elevator equipment, furniture, food, medicines, and other goods.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said that Belarus was ready to significantly increase the supplies of its latest automotive, agricultural, road construction, municipal and logging equipment to Russia.
The Head of State separately drew attention to the logging equipment, the production of which has been recently mastered in Belarus, but the country has not yet launched batch production. These products are in demand in Russia, too.
“I am sure that we can agree on the terms of supply, service, and financial support. Recent months have proved it,” the President said.
Another area of co-operation is technology transfer and export of services. For example, Belarusian specialists are interested in the research of Samara defence and industrial experts. In its turn, Belarus is always ready to share its accumulated experience in development of the agricultural sector, can expand the range of food supplies, participate in design and construction of social and industrial facilities. There is readiness to share scientific achievements and technologies, including achievements in road construction.
“If you want our participation in Samara Region projects, we would be grateful for it, and we will demonstrate the most responsible attitude. Of course, with all the importance of developing economy and trade, we should not forget about humanitarian affairs. We need to co-operate in this regard as well, including in education, culture and information,” the President said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested considering all areas of co-operation during the governor’s visit to Belarus, “You should tell us what we can and should do for Samara Region. We are at your service. If it is necessary, and we can give our hand somewhere, we are ready to do it.”

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by