MOSCOW, 29 March (BelTA) - Belarus’ Ambassador to Russia Dmitry Krutoi chaired a meeting of the ministerial working group monitoring the situation with supplies to Russia via video conference on 28 March, BelTA learned from the press service of the diplomatic mission.
“The conversation was tough, especially for the government bodies and organizations that allowed a decrease in exports in January-February 2024. We discussed with each of them the reasons for the decline in export supplies and the ways to rectify the situation (to do it before the end of the first quarter would be the best outcome). There is no doubt that the weakening of the Russian ruble has an impact on the slowdown. However, export targets are not set in physical volumes. The only valid reason for the decline is the reorientation of flows to other markets (as, for example, in the case of Brest dairies),” the press service said.
The participants of the meeting also take stock of the progress made by the Energy Ministry and its affiliated organizations in joining the Plans for Gas Infrastructure Expansion and Gas Supplies to Russian Regions. “Certain progress has been made - projects have been implemented in Smolensk Oblast. However, one needs to be proactive in order to gain a foothold in this inexhaustible market. The ambassador recommended to offer turnkey solutions in the ongoing negotiations with Leningrad Oblast, and also to explore other regions. He advertises the services of Belarusian specialists during every trip around Russia. The integrated approach can be extended even further as our gas industry produces almost the entire range of products necessary for installation works,” the diplomatic mission said.
“Special attention was again paid to the interaction with Russian state corporations, participation of Belarusian enterprises in the procurement programs of state corporations and their investment programs,” the press service added.
