Business news

MINSK, 12 July (BelTA) – The Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) will help exporters penetrate the markets of far-away countries, BCCI Chairman Vladimir Ulakhovich told journalists at a meeting between the diplomatic corps and manufacturers at the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 12 July, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Ulakhovich believes that by 2020 Belarus should equalize its exports to the EAEU, the EU and other markets, including far-away countries (Asia and Oceania, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America). Belarus has secured a strong foothold on the EAEU market, however even here the country faces challenges in the form of artificial barriers and unfair competition.

“We are determined to make a meaningful contribution to exploring the far-away markets through our programs, including the BCCI Export School and other instruments. These far-away markets include countries in Africa and Latin America. This year our business delegations have visited Uruguay and Argentina and have plans to go to Mexico and Colombia, the countries that promise good export opportunities for our companies, in particular, our mechanical engineering industry. We also need to boost exports to Southeast Asia,” Vladimir Ulakhovich said.

Speaking about the EU states, he said that it is hard for Belarusian companies to penetrate this market. “However, we should at least try, because after certifying our products on the European Union market, we will get access to the global market and enhance our competitive ability. This is another incentive for companies to improve their marketing and management strategies,” the BCCI chief said.

At the meeting with the diplomatic corps, the parties discussed issues facing Belarusian exporters, diversification of supplies, new markets, ways to improve interaction between the BCCI and embassies while planning and organizing events. The joint work was assessed in a positive way – in 2017 and H1 2018, the BCCI and embassies conducted 1,048 events that resulted in contracts worth $140 million.