Negotiations with Kursk Oblast Governor Alexander Mikhailov

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko invites Russia’s Kursk Oblast to enhance cooperation in the manufacturing sector, agriculture, and construction. He made the statement at the meeting with Kursk Oblast Governor Alexander Mikhailov on 5 December.

“Unfortunately, the trade turnover with Russia and the region has reduced. However, this year’s positive trends make us believe that by joint efforts we will manage to improve the situation and restore the volume of bilateral trade. For this purpose, we should, first of all, bolster cooperation in the manufacturing sector, agriculture, and construction. We have certain experience in these fields, I would even say certain achievements,” the president said.

He stressed that Kursk Oblast is Belarus’ reliable partner, and the visit of the governor is viewed by the Belarusian side as a testimony to the sincere interest in the development of bilateral cooperation.

Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned the delivery of BelAZ mining equipment to the Mikhailovsky mining and processing plant, one of the biggest iron ore mining and processing facilities in Russia and the CIS, as an example. “We would like to continue this work,” he said.

Given the existing industrial and innovative potential, Belarus and Kursk Oblast should join efforts to expand industrial cooperation. “Your delegation includes heads of large enterprises interested in the strengthening of cooperation with OAO Planar, Minsk Motor Plant. I think this interaction will help us launch the joint production of world-class high-tech products,” the Belarusian leader said.

The president remarked that Kursk Oblast has big achievements in the agricultural industry, and Belarus could also make a contribution to the further development of this segment. “Belarus offers a wide range of agricultural equipment, we are good at the turn-key construction of agricultural complexes,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko deemed it necessary to discuss the prospects of cooperation in the delivery of elite grain and vegetable seeds, mineral fertilizers.

“We are open for cooperation and are ready to do our best. You know what we are capable of. We have experience in housing construction. Mozyr Housing Construction Factory is a good example. We have a contract to build a house in 2018,” the head of state noted. “If you need to intensify work, raise the volumes, we are ready to involve other factories. Belarus has unused capacities, good specialists. We want them to work with their teams in Russia.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced that the meeting will help enhance partnership ties which Belarus values a lot. “By joint efforts we will be able to make the desired progress and reach our goals,” he added.

In January-September 2017, the trade turnover of Belarus and Russia’s Kursk Oblast went up 40.5% to $96.3 million over the same period of 2016. Major exports of Belarus were tires, potash fertilizers, synthetic fibers, freight vehicles, footwear.

There are a few subjects of the Belarusian commodity distribution network in the Russian region. A broad dealer network for the sale of Belarusian machine-building, food, light industry products and consumer goods has been organized.

Belarusian specialists may participate in the construction of a nuclear power plant in Russia’s Kursk Oblast in the future. The head of state said: “I was pleasantly surprised by the proposal of our specialists, who say that literally next year or the year after the next one they will be able to participate in the construction of your nuclear power plant. If necessary, we are ready to cooperate with Russians in this field.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that there was a similar agreement with Rosatom. Belarusian specialists are supposed to learn how to perform the main operations required to build a nuclear power plant in order to participate in similar projects in Russia and other countries.

The head of state stressed that the two countries already had experience of working together as part of the project to build the nuclear power plant in Belarus. He went on saying that the specialists, who will no longer be required after the Belarusian nuclear power plant is ready, will always be in demand. “Very responsible subject matter specialists are needed for such projects,” he said.