Utmost partner of Belarus in Russia

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, met with Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov

belta

The Head of State noted that this is Andrei Vorobyov’s first visit to Belarus in the capacity of the Governor and praised the professionalism of Andrei Vorobyov’s team, thanks to whom Moscow Region has been performing consistently better than other Russian regions across various social and economic indicators.
For Belarus, the capital region of Russia is a strategic partner, the Head of State said. The Moscow Region ranks first among the federal subjects in terms of trade volume. Thus, over the 10 months of 2023, trade turnover increased by almost a quarter and exceeded $9 billion.

“These are colossal volumes of our foreign trade. This is a significant achievement given that the base was already high last year when the trade expanded [by over 25 percent]. This year the trade is projected to considerably exceed $10 billion. This is the best result throughout the entire history of Belarus’ co-operation with your region,” the Belarusian leader concluded.

Trade goes on in nearly everything we produce, mostly household appliances, foodstuffs (butter, cheese), metal products, medicines, equipment, spare parts and many more.
“Such a robust trade is largely attributed to the favourable location of Moscow Region, which makes the region a kind of logistics hub and a central point for further supplies to other Russian regions. Dealership and trade are good. They, however, are too dependent on the current state of the market. As an experienced person, you know well that the task of any leader is to ensure employment and wellbeing for people. To this end, we need a serious foundation which is the joint production of goods with high added value,” the President explained.
Aleksandr Lukashenko named a number of specific areas where there are prospects for development and strengthening of interaction.
“First. You are actively engaged in road construction and public utilities (amazingly). I have been briefed that you have plans to invest significant funds in the renewal of the public transport fleet and purchase Belarusian-made vehicles. 

Our specialists will soon determine the necessary specification together with you. I give you my word that we will do everything necessary to ensure that shipments start on schedule and we fulfil all the obligations that will be stipulated under the contract,” the President assured.

Belarus’ second proposal, outlined by the Head of State, is related to concrete production, “I know that there are plans to set up the production of dry building mixes based on Belarusian cement in your region. I propose to add the production of concrete.”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, this product has a higher added value. Its production can be organised in areas where large housing and road construction projects are implemented. The Belarusian Architecture and Construction Ministry is ready to work out logistics and possibilities of concrete mixing facilities location together with Moscow Region.
Terminal and logistics centre Elektrougli — one of the so-called dry ports of the Moscow Region    riamo.ru

The third area is maintenance, supply of spare parts, warranty, and financial instruments. 
“We have a lot of experience in these areas in Russia. With the help of your region, we would like to secure a firm foothold by creating a large-scale service and logistics hub for this part of the Russian Federation,” the Belarusian leader explained. 
Medical services and rehabilitation is the next area of mutual interest for the two parties, the President said. Many residents of Moscow and Moscow Region have already visited Belarusian health resorts and used the services of healthcare facilities. At the same time, the Head of State drew attention to the availability of medical products and medicines in terms of the price factor. 
“We should make sure that the cost of components, if we are talking about medical equipment and services, does not hit the pockets of ordinary people,” the President emphasised. However, the costs of the certification of medical products in Russia are much higher than, for example, across the EAEU. The President has instructed Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Dmitry Krutoi to look into the issue.
The development of co-operation ties and new production chains to replace imported products is the fifth area discussed at the meeting. Import substitution is a priority for Moscow Region. More than 200 projects with a total investment of about 200 billion Russian roubles are being implemented in the region.
These tasks are also of paramount importance for the Belarusian economy, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised. 

“We have accumulated good experience in this regard. We often discuss these issues with the President of the Russian Federation. I would like to note that we probably work best of all [in terms of import substitution development] with Moscow Region,” the President said.

Co-operation in agriculture is also among the promising areas of joint activities. According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus and Moscow Region can successfully complement each other in the agro-industrial complex.
It is no secret that Belarus is among the world leaders in exporting meat and dairy products. The country is constantly modernising its enterprises, introducing modern technologies and equipment.
“We have opportunities to assist you in developing meat and dairy production, supplying elite seeds of Belarusian selection, high-yield fodder and premixes, and also fertilisers. I know that you have companies that are very successful in this respect, and their experience will be very important for us,” the President suggested.
The Head of State also emphasised a significant potential for builders to participate in the implementation of housing, social infrastructure and road construction projects. 

“Moscow Region has one of the largest scientific and technical complexes in Russia, and Belarus is interested in expanding co-operation on various issues of scientific and technical activities. I think we can develop a plan of scientific and technical co-operation, or a roadmap for co-operation between our National Academy of Sciences and Moscow Region,” Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined another direction.

Furthermore, the Head of State mentioned the development of cultural and humanitarian ties, work with the youth. 
“I am convinced that for the sake of the future of our peoples it is necessary to provide all opportunities for communication and mutual trips for Belarusian and Russian youth. Unite the young generation through joint events, long-term projects. I think you will agree with me that this is more important than ever in the current realities,” the President highlighted.
In conclusion, the Head of State emphasised Belarus’ for an open substantive dialogue on all the issues outlined, “I would like to assure you that if we agree on some issues, the agreements will be fulfilled.”
According to the President, Moscow Region is of utmost importance for Belarus. After all, it is not only the largest region of Russia, but also a significant hub for the supplies to all other Russian regions.
Governor of the Moscow Region Andrei Vorobyov, in turn, noted that Russia in general and the Moscow Region in particular understand and appreciate the importance of co-operation with Belarus.
“Thank you for the invitation, for the reception, for the preliminary work that we have the opportunity to conduct with your team. We want to say today that we respect and appreciate your position, your attitude. We understand the importance of co-operation with Belarus and value this co-operation in all respects,” the Governor said.
Andrei Vorobyov noted that Belarus and China are the two largest trading partners of Moscow Region in terms of export and import.
“Before the meeting, we had already discussed construction projects with our colleagues. This includes the cement industry, dry mixes. The region is large. Moscow and Moscow Region are growing by almost 200,000 people a year, and our construction projects are pretty big. This includes social facilities, road infrastructure; all this needs materials. Of course, we are interested. And our colleagues have already selected a number of locations for launching such production,” the head of the Moscow Region said.
He also expressed interest in the issue of supplies of mechanical engineering equipment from Belarus. 

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by