Belarus-Russia regional ties seen as effective tool to counter sanctions

"Belarus attaches particular importance to cooperation with the regions of the Russian Federation. Well-established ties with the subjects of the Russian Federation create the basis for mutually beneficial contacts, development of cooperation, trade and economic ties, and contribute to the efforts to counter the sanctions imposed by the collective West. Tatarstan is a reliable strategic partner of Belarus. Thanks to cooperation based on each other's interests and prompt decisions, we have good results in bilateral trade. I am pleased to note that in 2022, the trade between Belarus and Tatarstan exceeded $1 billion and increased by 5% over 2021," Piotr Parkhomchik said.

Belarus and Tatarstan have all the prerequisites for further expanding cooperation, increasing bilateral trade and searching for new investment projects, he believes. "The conditions dictated by the sanctions open up more opportunities for us in cooperation and trade as we use and complement each other's potential. I am confident that today's meeting will be productive and will help intensify bilateral relations,” the deputy prime minister said.

The parties are developing cooperation in import substitution. In particular, enterprises that produce automotive components are working in this direction: Borisov plant of automotive electrical equipment, Borisov plant Avtogydrousilitel, Zhodino experimental mechanical plant Remiz, Rudensk (lighting equipment producer). Belarusian Steel Works has established close cooperation with Tatarstan.

“The agenda of our meeting is extensive. It includes not only the issues of industrial cooperation, but also cooperation in the petrochemical and aviation industries, agriculture and investment cooperation. We also consider issues of science, education, sports and culture,” Piotr Parkhomchik added.

A number of documents will be signed at the meeting of the working group. They will include the minutes of the session, a roadmap for cooperation between the Culture Ministries of Belarus and Tatarstan in 2023 and an agreement on cooperation between Amkodor and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Tatarstan. The parties are also set to sign a roadmap of the project between the Tupolev aerospace company, Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant and Minsk Civil Aviation Plant No.407.