Lukashenko: in mutual trade with the Voronezh region, we must strive for the coveted billion

The mutual trade between Belarus and the Voronezh region should aim to reach the coveted $1 billion mark. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on June 10 at a meeting with the Governor of the Voronezh region of Russia, Alexander Gusev, according to a BELTA correspondent.

The Head of State warmly welcomed the head of the Russian region, noting that two years had passed since their last meeting. "Back then, in Minsk, we outlined a number of important areas for our cooperation, and agreed to interact more actively in industry, agriculture, and the humanitarian sphere," said the Belarusian leader. "largely thanks to your efforts, the Voronezh region has become one of Belarus's most important partners."

In 2023, the trade turnover exceeded $500 million. "A good figure, we need to strive for the coveted billion, as we agreed," the President instructed. "Moreover, good dynamics are being maintained this year. The region (Voronezh region. - BELTA note) has reached 13th place in Russia in terms of export volumes from our country."

Alexander Lukashenko identified key areas where the parties are already successfully cooperating and where there is potential for further expansion of cooperation.

Construction

This sector traditionally leads in the trade relations between Belarus and the Voronezh region. The total cost of projects implemented within the framework of cooperation over the last three years has increased tenfold, to almost 8.5 billion Russian rubles.

Joint projects include industrial construction, in particular, a tire recycling plant, as well as social facilities. "The reconstruction of the main sports arena (Voronezh. - BELTA note) - the Central Trade Union Stadium by Belarusian builders, I am sure, will ensure its entry into the category of the best in the Russian Federation," the Head of State added.

Industry

The President proposed to supplement trade in a wide range of industrial products with cooperative projects.

As for the equipment produced in our country, the Voronezh region is well acquainted with it, using almost the entire range to a greater or lesser extent. MAZ regularly participates in tenders for the purchase of bus equipment, and MTZ, Gomselmash, Amkodor participate in tenders for the supply of agricultural, road, and logging equipment.

"But today, the growing demand for equipment in Russia requires preliminary work between manufacturers and consumers. We are focusing on high-quality and timely service support, personnel training, and the supply of spare parts and consumables. Without this, it is impossible to supply any equipment to the markets at all," the head of state emphasized.

Agriculture and Food

"These are your brands both in terms of contribution to the all-Russian volume of agricultural products and in terms of ensuring the region and the Central Federal District," the President said. "But there are always free niches and room for a wide range of products that consumers so desperately need." According to statistics, in 2023, the Voronezh region ranked 10th among the regions of the Russian Federation in terms of purchases of food products and agricultural raw materials from Belarus. "We will be glad to see you in the top five in terms of consumption and processing of our products," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

According to the President, Belarusian enterprises and scientific organizations are also ready to share their experience in using new technologies in agriculture. They are already actively cooperating in the field of seed production. Belarus also offers technologies in the field of dairy farming, including the design and construction of complexes and their equipping with machinery.

Public Utilities Sector

This sector is closely related to housing construction and maintaining the housing stock in good technical condition, as well as providing quality services to the population. "You know that in Belarus, you can borrow not only solutions for organizing work

For his part, Alexander Gusev also assured the unconditional fulfillment of all agreements and work plans with Belarus. As one of the areas where the parties have achieved the greatest success in joint cooperation, the governor named construction. With the participation of Belarusian specialists, many facilities have been built in the region, including social infrastructure. One of them is a large educational center in Voronezh for almost 3,000 students. "We see that you are doing everything with high quality and promptly. Of course, this is a large format of interaction for us," said the head of the region. According to him, there is a great interest in attracting Belarusian specialists to the design and construction of the Central Trade Union Stadium in Voronezh.

The governor also agreed with the statement of the head of the Belarusian state on the need to strengthen cooperative ties. "You rightly noted that we have opportunities for joint development of the radio-electronic industry. We have many competencies in the region in this area, many enterprises (about 20) are operating. Of course, here we could complement each other," said Alexander Gusev.

Source: belta.by