MINSK, 21 June (BelTA) – Belarus intends to expand the network of companies that export Belarusian food to Ukraine, BelTA learned from Belarusian First Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Leonid Marinich during the session of the Belarusian-Ukrainian working group on increasing the mutual presence on the two countries' markets of agricultural products, food, and other products on 21 June.
According to the source, Belarus is intent on exporting more food to Ukraine. Ten companies are now authorized to export to Ukraine. It is now necessary to increase the number. It is necessary to discuss the matter with the Ukrainian side in detail and take concrete measures.
The Ukrainian side is interested in setting up companies for exporting Ukrainian products to Belarus. Belarus is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. This is why implementing the initiative will require the approval of all the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. Leonid Marinich assured that Belarus is ready to contact the veterinary services of the customs union member states to implement the initiative.
Belarus' main exports to Ukraine are poultry meat, dairy products, cheese, and rye flour. Leonid Marinich mentioned positive dynamics of export to Ukraine. In 2016 Belarus-Ukraine trade in food totaled $520 million. Belarusian food was exported to Ukraine by enterprises of the Belarusian National Union of Consumer Societies (Belkoopsoyuz), the Belarusian state food industry concern Belgospishcheprom, and the Agriculture and Food Ministry. In Q1 2017 enterprises run by the Agriculture and Food Ministry exported $10.6 million worth of food to Ukraine, securing a 138% export growth rate in comparison with the same period of last year.
Leonid Marinich noted that positive export dynamics testifies to the increasing presence of Belarusian agricultural products in Ukraine. Demand for food on the Ukrainian market can be satisfied with Ukraine-made food. “However, since our countries are neighbors and the quality of Belarusian foods is well-known in Ukraine, it allows us to see many prospects for future cooperation,” said the official.
During the session of the working group the sides intend to discuss the shipment of Belarusian agricultural machines to Ukraine as well as mutual interests in seed farming and other things.
