Lukashenko proposed that the Arkhangelsk region work together on cargo transshipment
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko proposed joint work with the Arkhangelsk region of Russia on cargo transshipment. The Head of State announced this on April 22 at a meeting with the governor of this Russian region, Alexander Tsybulsky, BelTA correspondent reports.
One of the promising areas of cooperation mentioned by the President during the meeting is the modernization of industrial enterprises. First of all, it concerned woodworking, shipbuilding, and ship repair capacities. "Fortunately, there are queues for Belarusian modern machine tools and equipment until the end of this year. But we have reserves," the Head of State stated.
Alexander Lukashenko also identified the construction of ice-class vessels as a relevant topic for both sides. Russians need them to address issues related to a significant increase in transportation along the Northern Sea Route. The demand is for at least 90 vessels, while no more than 30 are produced.
The President emphasized that it is very important for Belarus to seriously master the Northern Sea Route, along which tens of millions of tons of cargo can be delivered. This direction is even more relevant after the imposition of sanctions by Western countries and the closure of their ports to domestic cargo. "We have tried to deliver our goods in small quantities along this route, especially to the People's Republic of China and the Russian Far East. This is a very profitable route for us. Therefore, it will be of great interest for us to work with the Arkhangelsk region," said Alexander Lukashenko. According to him, it is possible for Belarus to work directly with the ports of the Arkhangelsk region, bypassing the ports of St. Petersburg and Murmansk. "I think we will decide how to proceed in the near future," the President added.
Another area where the head of the Belarusian state proposed to work together is logistics and transport. "The strategic task for Belarus is to find new opportunities for transshipment of export cargo," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
The specifics of Arkhangelsk's port infrastructure are containers and general cargo. This, of course, is not suitable for the country's main export cargo – potash fertilizers, the volume of which will be around 15 million tons in the near future. However, it could be of interest to Belarusian producers of timber and metal products. "But competition in this matter is fierce, including in the Northwest. Transportation economics is paramount. Therefore, we are ready to work together," said the President.
Arkhangelsk traditionally serves as one of the anchor points for the Northern Resupply. This region is a cargo transshipment hub, particularly for building materials for major mining projects in the Arctic zone. Furthermore, the Arkhangelsk transport hub will be developed in the near future to more actively integrate into the Northern Sea Route development.
"Here, too, we could be mutually beneficial," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
According to the President, there is also potential for cooperation in the field of housing construction. Currently, the Arkhangelsk region is addressing an important social task of relocating people from dilapidated housing. Construction is ahead of schedule by a year, despite the significant volume of work. "I think we could also explore the supply of building materials and assistance from builders to some extent," believes the head of state.
A promising area, according to the President, is also the development of peat deposits with subsequent production of high-tech products such as plant growth regulators, active feed additives, and materials for agriculture, animal husbandry, and oil production. Belarus produces all the necessary equipment for peat extraction and deep processing.
Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that he has listed far from a complete list of areas for partnership. "I propose discussing not individual projects, but a plan of action immediately, as is commonly said, a roadmap, a package approach for each direction. In a year or two, we can summarize the work done," said the head of state.
Source: belta.by