Business news

SOCHI, 17 September (BelTA) – There are no major issues in Belarus-Russia trade, BelTA learned from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Igor Petrishenko on 17 September. The Ambassador took part in the second Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia in Sochi.

“Certainly, there are some quirks that have to be discussed taking into account the fact that the global market gives negative results in a number of areas,” said the Ambassador. “There are some technicalities concerning Russia’s import substitution approach. But there are no major issues. We believe that all issues have to be discussed via negotiations, the relevant decisions have to be made, and the relevant comfortable conditions have to be enabled for our enterprises so that they would not feel slighted on the market of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. It is the attitude of the Belarusian side and the Russian side demonstrates the same attitude. We can, we want, and we will iron out all the emerging quirks.”

The diplomat noted that, showcased at the Belarusian-Russian industrial expo during the Forum of Regions, every sample of Belarusian and Russian machines contains a joint component. For instance, the share of Russian components in the lineup of Belarusian tractors is 30-45%. “It means that we rely on tight manufacturing cooperation to make a joint product and we should promote it together not only on our own markets and the Eurasian Economic Union market. We should also support our manufacturers on third-country markets with export incentives, the relevant aftersales service, financial elements and logistics. We should position our product — the product of the Union State of Belarus and Russia — on foreign markets,” stressed Igor Petrishenko.

Belarus has established very tight contacts with all the regions of Russia. “We sign not just protocols of intent but concrete action plans that cover all spheres, including during the Forum,” noted the Ambassador. “We expect that contacts during the Forum will allow raising the level of cooperation even higher.”

The second Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia began in Sochi on 17 September. The forum is focused on industrial policy of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. The plenary session is expected to gather over 350 representatives of the legislative and executive branches of power of Belarus and Russia, representatives of regional administrations, heads of industrial enterprises and business communities of the two countries.