Lukashenko: Belarus, Russia’s Kirov Oblast seek to double trade
12:00, 19 January
Photo: BelTA
Belarus and Kirov Oblast of Russia intend to double trade, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with Kirov Oblast Governor Alexander Sokolov on 19 January, BelTA has learned.
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“As for the economic relations, our trade volumes are not particularly large. There are both subjective and objective reasons for this, that is clear. The trade is around $110 million [in January-November 2025, it amounted to $108 million]. But the growth rates are good. If we continue to develop at this pace, we will be able to double our trade – and that is our goal,” the head of state said.
He stressed Belarus’ readiness to present the Russian delegation with samples of goods and equipment directly at production sites. “If you wish, take a look at the models at Minsk Automobile Plant, at Belkommunmash (our passenger vehicles are quite good), including those running on different types of fuel, as well as electric buses. See if they suit you, we are ready to cooperate,” the president said. Moreover, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted Belarus’ willingness to assist Russian regions with financial instruments in supplying domestic equipment.
One of the traditional areas of cooperation with Russian regions is the supply of Belarusian elevators, including the replacement of outdated Soviet models.
As an interesting new direction for cooperation, the head of state pointed to peat processing. According to him, Belarus intends to actively develop this sector in the near future, including the creation of a small agro‑town with compact multi‑storey wooden houses heated by wood and peat. For such needs, the country is mastering the production of automatic boilers. Given Belarus’ rich forest resources, there is an abundance of wood waste that can and should be used.
“We must recycle everything: we have learned how to do it and will continue to do so, with the addition of peat,” the head of state said. “Working together to acquire new technologies in peat extraction, processing, and consumption is very important.”
In recent years, mutual trade between Belarus and Russia’s Kirov Oblast has amounted to $115-140 million. In January-November 2025, it reached $108 million, including Belarusian exports worth $27.4 million, which was 35% higher year-on-year. Belarusian exports are primarily composed of elevators, amino compounds, printing ink, writing ink, agricultural machinery, linen fabrics, petroleum products, and passenger cars.
