MINSK, 31 August (BelTA) – Belarus has outlined plans to become a world leader in the production of potash fertilizers, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Russian businessman, Chairman of the Board of IOOO Slavkaliy Mikhail Gutseriyev on 31 August, BelTA has learned.
The president remarked that Belarus is one of the leaders in the manufacturing and sale of potash fertilizers, including pelletized fertilizers, today. “We do not just sell “powder”. Well, we sell it too. It is cheaper. But the demand for other quality of products is much higher,” he said.
“Belarus is one of the leaders. But when we implement two national projects, namely the project to build a potash fertilizer plant in Petrikov and the Slavkaliy project, Belarus will become a world leader in the production of potash fertilizers,” the head of state stressed.
He also deemed it necessary to step up work with partners to promote corresponding products on the world markets. “Perhaps, this can be India or China. We should build a policy with them. It should include many issues ranging to the sale of these fertilizers. India is a colossal market, China is another colossal market, we can also work with Brazil. They, especially Indians, do not have enough potash fertilizers. And they are ready to work with us. We need to find common approaches with them right now,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The president asked about the progress in the Slavkaliy project in Belarus. Mikhail Gutseriyev said that the work has already begun. Belarusian and famous German companies are involved in the project.
According to the businessman, agreements have been concluded with 12 contracting organizations from Belarus. Belarus' company is in charge of the technical supervision of the construction process. Ten Belarusian organizations are involved in active designing work.
“The volume of investments has been $164 million this year. Our part makes up $123 million, $41 million is a Chinese loan. We will allocate $60 million next year. China will provide $340 million,” Mikhail Gutseriyev said.
He also spoke about current progress and short-term plans, development of the infrastructure around the object, a town for builders.
The Nezhinsky mining and processing factory at the Starobin potassium deposit will become the country's second enterprise to extract potassium ore and produce potash fertilizers. It will be able to make up to 2 million tonnes of potassium per annum. As part of the investment project one mining facility will be built in addition to a processing plant, a gas turbine power plant for proprietary needs, railway infrastructure, access roads, housing infrastructure, and other kinds. The construction of the Nezhinsky mining and processing factory began in 2016. IOOO Slavkaliy is in charge of implementing the project.
Mikhail Gutseriyev said earlier that Slavkaliy would sell its products only via Belarusian Potash Company (BPC).
