News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 16 May (BelTA) – Belarus and Vietnam signed 10 commercial contracts worth over $100 million, Belarus Premier Mikhail Myasnikovich told media after his meeting with Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Tan Dung on 16 May.

According to the Belarusian PM, the negotiations were held in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere. The parties discussed even more issues than were planned for the discussion.

“We have signed 10 commercial contracts at the total amount of more than $100 million. Keeping in mind the documents that have been signed earlier, we believe we will be able to double the mutual trade in the next three years,” Mikhail Myasnikovich noted. The Premier’s confidence is based on financial support mechanisms suggested by Belarus for the implementation of joint projects with Vietnam. In turn, Vietnamese counterparts are also expected to provide preferences.

The sides agreed on a number of new projects including in the food industry. In particular, the issue is about setting up the production of dairy products in Vietnam and the manufacture of coffee in Belarus. Businessmen of Belarus and Vietnam are also set to develop a cooperation roadmap which is to be considered in a joint meeting in Minsk in autumn 2013.

The Premiers also discussed the details of the future agreement on free trade area between the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan and Vietnam. Mikhail Myasnikovich believes the agreement may be signed in 2014.

“We have coordinated an algorithm of joint work for the near future. Belarus and Vietnam are reliable partners, we have great prospects,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.