Belarus intent on more intensive cooperation with Russia's Stavropol Territory

According to Aleksandr Rogozhnik, the development of interregional contacts with constituent entities of the Russian Federation represents an important aspect of advancement of cooperation. “The practice that has evolved over years remains topical today. Stavropol Territory has been a trade partner of Belarus for a long time. In January-August 2023 trade growth rate totaled 130% as against the previous year. We cannot but feel joy about seeing higher and higher trade figures every year,” the industry minister noted. Aleksandr Rogozhnik added that an action plan to guide bilateral cooperation till 2025 was signed within the framework of a Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia. This document is the basic one that stipulates the main directions for advancing the bilateral cooperation.

According to Aleksandr Rogozhnik, trade in agricultural machines and vehicles – tractors and harvesters – has increased considerably. “During today's meeting with the head of state instructions were given to create a multibrand trade and service center in the Russian region because a lot of vehicles and machines of Belarusian make are in use in Stavropol Territory. The share of Belarusian tractors stands at 56%. The share of Belarusian harvesters is expected to reach 16% this year. We will not stop at that,” the official assured.

The Belarusian industry minister also mentioned the importance of advancing cooperation in import substitution. “The goods we make are not inferior to those previously made by foreign companies before their withdrawal from the Russian Federation market. Cooperation between Belarus and Russia should develop dynamically so that no one would feel the absence of our so-called partners,” Aleksandr Rogozhnik said.

As he met with the Stavropol Territory delegation on 8 November, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the potential for interaction has not been fully used. Aleksandr Rogozhnik said: “It is necessary to move on. We've discussed deliveries of wool from Stavropol Territory to Belarus. We also have a huge potential in selection work with assistance of the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry. There are good opportunities for stepping up cooperation in civil engineering, for designing various civilian facilities. I am convinced that cooperation on these projects will be constructive and we will increase bilateral trade even higher next year.”

Representatives of government agencies, the private sector, and specialized institutes took part in the session of the working group. It shows that the sides are mutually interested at all levels in further advancing cooperation between Belarus and Stavropol Territory with a view to enabling conditions conducive to the advancement of bilateral cooperation, the Belarusian industry minister concluded.

The government has tasked Industry Minister Aleksandr Rogozhnik with overseeing the advancement of cooperation between Belarus and Russia's Stavropol Territory. During the session of the working group the sides discussed the advancement of cooperation in manufacturing sector, agriculture, light industry, science, tourism, education as well as interregional cooperation. There are plans to sign a number of documents as a result of the meeting.