MINSK, 18 May (BelTA) – Belarusian trucking companies are ready to use the advantages granted by the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative, BelTA learned from Nikolai Borovoi, Chairman of the Belarusian association of international road carriers BAMAP, during the opening ceremony of the 22nd specialized expo BAMAP on 18 May.
The BAMAP head said: “Three years ago China initiated the revival of the Great Silk Road by suggesting connecting Asia, Europe, and Asia with one transnational network. The One Belt, One Road concept was born then. Experts estimate that once the Silk Road operates at full capacity, about 10% of all the cargoes will be transported via Belarus. Respectively, we will be able to use the opportunities the project opens up.” Nikolai Borovoi remarked that Belarusian trucking companies are ready for it.
The official reminded that the situation on the market of international truck haulage stabilized in 2016 after a rapid decline in 2014-2015. The volume of international cargoes (excluding bilateral transportation inside the Eurasian Economic Union) rose by 17% in 2016, with the number of trips up by 14%. Belarus exported $902.6 million worth of automobile transportation services, 5.9% up from 2015.
The BAMAP head was confident about the future of Belarusian trucking companies on the international market of services. He described Belarusian truckers as one of the driving forces behind economic and social development.
This year the Belarusian association of international road carriers BAMAP has turned 25. Celebrations are scheduled to take place in Minsk on 18-19 May. The events include the 22nd specialized expo BAMAP and the conference on experience, prospects, and innovations in international road haulage.
