Business news

MINSK, 17 July (BelTA) – Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ trademark) intends to restore export volume to Moldova and raise the numbers to 500 vehicles per annum, BelTA learned from Director General of MTZ Holding Fyodor Domotenko as Moldova President Nicolae Timofti visited the enterprise on 17 July.

The executive said: “MTZ now has to restore the number of machines that we used to export to Moldova in previous years — at least 500 tractors per annum. We have received a personal invitation to visit the country soon in order to discuss the development of our cooperation.”

Nicolae Timofti examined an exhibition that showcased products made by Belarus’ top three industrial enterprises — MTZ, Amkodor, and MAZ. “During the tour we drew attention to the tractors, which are shipped to Moldova, particularly model 921. The model is used for cultivating vineyards and gardens. We have also discussed further steps to build up our presence in Moldova and raise shipment volumes,” noted the Director General.

At present MTZ has an assembly enterprise and a trading house in Moldova. According to Fyodor Domotenko, it is sufficient for now. “We are not going to invent anything new. It is necessary to develop what we have created already. If we talk about localization levels, semi-knocked down assembly is used for now. In the future we will consider higher localization if necessary but it will have to be done against local subsidies for the buyers that need the vehicles. At present we ship virtually the entire lineup of tractors to Moldova with their power ranging from 80hp to 200hp. The latest shipment was a 2022 tractor with the engine power of 220hp,” said the MTZ head. He explained that the company intends to penetrate the European Union market via Moldova.

Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ trademark) was founded in 1946. It is part of the system of enterprises run by the Belarusian Industry Ministry. The company offers over 120 models and modifications of tractors and vehicles with over 200 options for all kinds of climatic and operational conditions. For the last few years MTZ’s share of the global market of wheeled tractors has been as large as 8-10%. MTZ operates in over 60 countries and has assembly enterprises in Russia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, China, Romania, Egypt, Serbia, Algeria, Venezuela, and other countries. The industrial group MTZ Holding comprises 11 enterprises.