Valery Ivanov to head Belarusian Potash Company

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko approved the appointment of Valery Ivanov as Director General of Belarusian Potash Company on 28 February. Valery Ivanov was relieved of his duties as Vice Premier of Belarus.

The head of state noted that serious work was in progress to modernize the company. Ways of its future operation are under consideration. Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out the company earns the largest amount of foreign currency.

“Setting up the company together with Russians, we agreed that all the sales will be handled by Belarusian Potash Company, Belarusian and Russian fertilizers alike. It should be kept like that. It is up to you to decide on cheaper loans for more effective operation but it should be done. You will follow the principle we have agreed upon,” the President said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said he intended to discuss future joint work in this area with Russia’s leadership soon.

"We will discuss Belarus-Russia work with fertilizers overall. We have a potash company that sells nitrogen fertilizers, too. It is experience. We will suggest creating a powerful corporation to the Russians. It will naturally influence world market prices. We don’t conceal it. And it will provide better quality products to our foreign partners,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President believes although the quality of Belarusian potash and nitrogen fertilizers is high, the process can still be improved.

Aleksandr Lukashenko told Valery Ivanov: “You know the manufacturing system. Now you will have to thoroughly learn the sales system in order to shape the work the most profitable way for your country and the Russians, who are our partners. Everything should be done fairly. We don’t need profit at Russia’s expense but nobody should get profit at our expense. We should work in cohesion.”