Meeting with Governor of Russia’s Magadan Oblast Sergei Nosov

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Governor of Russia’s Magadan Oblast Sergei Nosov on 20 May.

“We are hosting you for the first time. First thing I want to assure you that you will not regret having traveled 11,000 kilometers to come here. We do not divide Russian regions into remote and near. We work with everyone and find common ground. I am sure that we will be able to significantly ramp up cooperation with Magadan Oblast. I have no doubt that here you will find everything you need,” said the Belarusian leader.

He remarked that the current level of trade lags behind the true cooperation potential. “We must think of ways to dramatically expand mutually beneficial trade and economic contacts,” the head of state noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined a number of promising areas of cooperation and assured that Belarus will do whatever necessary to implement the agreements that will be reached.

Mechanical engineering products

Taking into account that Magadan Oblast is abundant with natural resources and has plans to develop new deposits of non-ferrous metals, there is every opportunity to increase the supply of haul trucks. “Western brands have withdrawn from Russia, and I think that our goods will be able to replace them,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that BelAZ has plans to open a multi-brand center in the region to sell, provide maintenance and repair services to all types of Belarusian equipment, as well as to sell tires of various diameters and load capacities.

In addition to the supply of heavy-duty equipment, Belarus is also ready to participate in renewing the region’s passenger transport fleet: “We can offer various modern buses running on gas and diesel. And we will offer mutually acceptable financial instruments.”

Cooperation in the manufacturing industry

“Belarus has definitive legislation in the field of assay supervision and the circulation of jewelry. Gomel-based Kristall jewelry company has been operating since Soviet times. The company has many years of experience in the field of precious metals and stones. It produces a wide range of items, including jewelry, using Belarusian-cut diamonds,” the head of state noted.

He suggested considering joint production of items using Magadan raw materials and the capacities of this enterprise.

R&D projects

According to the Belarusian leader, Magadan could also use, after the necessary adaptation, Belarusian design documentation to build educational, sports, retail facilities, multifunctional complexes and all engineering structures.

Supply of electrical equipment and materials

As Magadan Oblast is now building hydroelectric power stations and electric power transmission lines, Belarus can offer a broad range of cable products and transformers.

Supply of consumer goods and foodstuffs

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that work is already underway to open a large store selling Belarusian goods in Magadan. “In addition to high-quality food products, we are ready to supply furniture, textiles, carpets, shoes, household chemicals, cosmetics, as well as other goods that you need,” he remarked.

Milk processing

The President also proposed making dairy products from Belarusian raw materials in Magadan Oblast: “We have enough top-notch enterprises that can share their expertise and knowledge in milk processing and production of tasty, healthy and high-quality products with a long shelf life.”

“Of course, we can launch direct supplies of finished meat and dairy products, confectionery, canned vegetables, juices and everything that is in demand in your social institutions and retail trade,” the head of state said.

Fish supply and processing

The President noted that Magadan Oblast is known as a major producer of fish and seafood, the products that are not as common on Belarusian tables as Belarusians would like them to be. “Such products are in demand here. We just need direct supplies and, naturally, a reasonable price. If you want, you can set up your own processing facilities in Belarus that will sell products not only in Belarus but also in other cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other countries where these supplies will be logistically convenient. If you are interested, we will accommodate you in every way,” he noted.

Tourism, recuperation and healthcare

“Belarus can offer high standards and affordable prices in these fields. By the way, Russian tourists enjoy coming here for sightseeing, recuperation and treatment. In other words, you are always welcome here,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.