Lukashenko about Russian market: No need to put all eggs in one basket
15:42, 28 July
Photo: BelTA
Belarusian manufacturers should explore new export destinations despite the openness and accessibility of the traditional Russian market. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko gave the relevant instructions as he authorized the appointment of new heads of a number of key enterprises on 28 July, BelTA has learned.
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In particular, the matter was raised during a conversation with Vitaly Osipenko, who has just been appointed Director General of OAO SvetlogorskKhimvolokno. He has been working as the first deputy director, chief engineer of OAO Gomel Chemical Plant up till now. Aleksandr Lukashenko wondered about the performance of this enterprise.
Vitaly Osipenko said: “At present the enterprise satisfies all the applications from consumers for mineral fertilizers ahead of the forthcoming sowing campaign. We make new kinds of fertilizers.”
All the needs of the domestic market will be covered like that, Vitaly Osipenko assured.
“What about export?” the president kept asking.
According to Vitaly Osipenko, most of the exports are shipped to the Russian market. The Belarusian company also offers niche products, which major Russian manufacturers are unwilling to supply. “We have found our niche: a unique product with microelements and additives. And we offer it. Russian consumers eagerly buy it,” he said.
The president wondered whether Belarusian consumers are interested in compound mixed fertilizers. “There are issues with this interest. As for the technical side of things, we can satisfy the entire demand of the home market for compound fertilizers,” the head of the enterprise assured.
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, it is necessary to correctly orientate the government and all the responsible individuals. “You see they put potassium separately into soil, phosphorus separately, and nitrogen separately. You offer a compound product,” the head of state explained.
“In one granule,” Vitaly Osipenko confirmed.
“Everything in one granule. Well, they should buy it. It produces a good effect. These products are sold in Russia, across the globe. But it is necessary to tell everyone that they cannot put eggs in one basket. Russia is a close country, a kindred country for us and the rest. But you know that they have these technologies and make these fertilizers. And they will make compound, mixed fertilizers and what not. This is why competition is a thing. And we need a broader spectrum of export so that we would not be pushed out of the only market. It is your task,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
He remarked that the enterprise is working quite well and has a lot of promise. “But logistics matters. There are issues. They need to be addressed,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.
